Ukraine, EU: the strong support on the agreement from the people is obvious

Parliament President Schulz: “Authorities listen to the citizens, they don’t beat them.” In Brussels the country’s desire to find an agreement with the European Union “is huge”

“Modernization” is needed in Ukraine, also because there is “obvious and enormous” support from the people in regards to joining the European Union. Violence is not tolerable and the evictions of protesters that occurred in the country’s capital are episodes that must not be repeated. The European Union comes back to take a stand on the latest events in the Eastern European country. After the widespread joint statement by the High Representative for EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton and the Commissioner for Enlargement, Štefan Füle, yesterday the spokesperson for the European Commission, Pia Ahrenkilde-Hansen, criticized the event as well. She said “The EU condemns the use of excessive force by the Ukrainian police in Kiev.” So “we urge the Ukrainian authorities to respect the rights and fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression and opinion.” The spokesperson for the EU Executive said “it is obvious that there are different sides among the interested parties in Ukraine and it is up to them to settle these disagreements.” Like, stresses Ahrenkilde, “in a peaceful way, sitting down at a table.” For its part the EU remains available to have ties with Kiev. “We have had bilateral meetings with the Ukrainian counterparts and we understand that there are no conditions to sign an agreement” of cooperation. But he continues, “we must respect the sovereign decisions of Ukraine.” In any case, “doors remain open,” so “when conditions are right, we will sit around a table” to negotiate an Association Agreement.

Whoever reprimands the European Union of standing by and looking on, Maja Kocijancic, spokeswoman for Lady Ashton, replies “we reacted very strongly to the events we participated in, and we repeat that we support freedom of speech and association” and rallies. According to the spokeswoman, in any case, it is obvious that “a very strong and large support exists” for the agreement with the EU; “the support from the people – she insisted – is clear.”

“I am following the events in Ukraine with great concern: their authorities not only are ignoring the hopes of the citizens but attempting to stop them with batons and tear gas – intervenes the European Parliament President Martin Schulz – when these hopes are expressed in the street with desperation.” According to the German, “excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators is unacceptable. Reports that relate to actions used to instigate provocation to justify charges of police riot are particularly disconcerting. The Ukrainian authorities must listen to the citizens and not beat them.”

Renato Giannetti