Ukraine, 9 deaths in the riots. Ashton: “We are deeply worried”

A new wave of violence in Kiev due to the impasse on the reform aimed at reducing President Yanukovich’ powers. EP President Schulz: “Restraint and dialogue are the way”

It all seemed ready for a de-escalation in the riots: the Ukraine government had pardoned the protesters arrested during pro-EU manifestations leading to clashes between the police and the rioters, and the protesters left the government buildings under their control. Yet, the truce did not last long: it was one of the bloodiest days ever in Kiev. At least nine persons, 2 police officers and 7 civilians, were killed during the new wave of protests, exploded after the assault led by the opposition movement to President Yanukovich’ Party of Regions headquarters. They also tried to break in the Parliament, where the discussion on the constitutional reform aiming at a reduction of the powers given to the President – one of the key requests made by the opposition – was proceeding slowly.

The aftermath is devastating: according to the Home Office Ministry of Ukraine, at least seven civilians and two police officers were killed during the protests. We are talking about at least 150 protesters and 40 police officers injured, with 15 journalists involved in the clashes.

The setback has ignited a new wave of reactions worldwide too.

The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, said she is “deeply worried about the grave new escalation in Kiev and the reported victims.” According to Baroness Ashton, a solution should “should include the formation of a new inclusive government, progress on constitutional reform and the preparation for transparent and democratic presidential elections.”

“I condemn all use of violence, including against public or party buildings,” said the High Representative of the EU in a statement issued late in the day, where she also blamed pro-EU protesters, as well as she urged the leadership of Ukraine “to address the root causes of the crisis.”

“Shocked and saddened by reported killings of #Ukraine protesters, restraint and dialogue, not #violence is the way to settle the #crisis” tweeted Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament.

“#Ukraine Deplore deaths & injuries in Kyiv. Stressed repeatedly: violence & confrontation put future of country at stake. The only way is dialogue” tweeted Štefan Füle, EU Commissioner for the enlargement of the Union.

The White House urged President Yanukovich “to de-escalate immediately the situation,” while NATO Secretary General, Ander Fogh Rasmussen, urged “all parties to refrain from violence and to urgently resume dialogue, including through the parliamentary process.”

Letizia Pascale