“In a democracy, peaceful demonstrations cannot simply be banned and put paid to with violence. The protests are an active expression of the people’s desire for a European Ukraine.

I urgently call on the Government in Ukraine to refrain from violence of any form.

Instead of a ban on protests and the clearing of Maidan Square, a real political dialogue must now be launched, not just continually promised. That the European Union and the Council of Europe are prepared to help in this endeavour is known in Kyiv.”