SLOVAKIA’S Foreign Affairs Ministry is shocked by the latest wave of violence in Ukraine that has claimed the lives of at least nine people, according to the statement published on the ministry website on February 18.
The ministry called on all involved parties to be restrained, adding that it expects the ruling power to respect the right of citizens to gather in public.
“Force confrontation must not be the tool of political fight in today’s Europe,” the statement reads. “We are convinced that the way out of the current political crisis is constructive dialogue of all relevant players. Just now, when it is being decided about the character of the future Ukraine and unity of its nation, the result of the dialogue should have been consensus reflecting the will of Ukrainians for dignified life in democratic and prospering country.”
The ministry also stressed that Slovakia, as a neighbouring state of Ukraine, has an interest in making sure the country is not isolated. Ukraine should develop in a positive, democratic way, with the spirit of the European democratic values, the ministry said.
Protesters in Kiev attacked police with stones, petrol bombs and other improvised devices on February 18. The police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun and smoke grenades. According to the latest reports from Ukrainian authorities, nine people were killed in the clashes between the police and protesters in Kiev. Seven of them were civilians, the TASR newswire reported.
Source: Foreign Affairs Ministry, TASR
Compiled by Radka Minarechová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
