(Vatican Radio) The European Union and the United States have condemned the use of
police violence against unarmed anti-government protesters in the Ukrainian capital
Kiev. These clashes have complicated mediating attempts by EU and US officials between
the Ukrainian government and opposition.
On Wednesday afternoon, men clean
up chairs and barricades while police in riot gear pull back, after their failed attempt
to break up massive demonstrations in Kiev's Independence Square. Thousands of Ukrainians
continue to protest here against the government, which they claim has taken away their
European future by refusing to sign an EU Association Agreement.
Earlier on
Wednesday, several people were injured when police surrounded their protest camp.
During those clashes, an Orthodox priest sang prayers, while another protester undressed
to his waist in the freezing temperatures, going down on his knees and shouting "Stop
this... We are one people!" The massive resistance proved too much for riot police,
who also raided the party headquarters of jailed former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.
The confrontation has overshadowed visits by US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria
Nuland and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who have both condemned the police
crackdown.
Ashton noted that the clashes occurred shortly after her meeting
with Ukraine's President, said European Commission spokesperson Olivier Bailly. "She
is extremely disappointed, after having witnessed the use of force against protesters
against protesters yesterday evening, especially after the discussion she had with
president Yanukovich", he told reporters. "She really considers that authorities don't
need to act under the cover of night to engage with society by using force”, Bailly
added.
Despite threats of more violence, opposition leaders say their protests
will continue till President Yanukovych fires the government and appoints a new one
committed to signing an association agreement with the EU.