Hundreds of thousands attend protest rally in Ukraine
(Vatican Radio) U.S. Senator John McCain told estimated 200,000 EU supporters in
Ukraine's capital Kyiv that he supports their desire for democracy and European integration.
He took to the stage, while nearby thousands attended rival, pro-government, rallies.
The protests came as the European Union announced it had suspended talks with Ukraine
on EU integration.
However, "The free world is with you, America is with you,
I am with you", McCain told en enthusiastic crowd. He earlier told reporters that
he has no doubt as to where Ukraine belongs. "We believe that the future of the Ukraine
lies in Europe," he said. "We've met with government officials and with members of
the opposition.... We want a peaceful resolution which can be achieved through dialogue
and at the same time make sure that every effort is made to make sure that Ukraine
is aligned with Europe. That is, I think, the important goal here," the veteran politician
added.
His calls for peace are backed by churches, including Catholic leaders.
CHURCHES "DISTURBED"
The Permanent Synod of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic
Church made clear it was “profoundly disturbed” by a recent police crackdown on
demonstrators.
At the same Christians have set up a tent where people pray
around the clock for peace.
Yet, President Viktor Yanukovych has refused to
meet key demands from the opposition to sign the European Union Association Agreement.
With thousands braving freezing temperatures, the European Union's enlargement commissioner
Stefan Füle said Sunday on the Twitter website that he had suspended talks with Ukraine
on EU integration.
Yet at separate rallies, thousands also made clear they
support Yanukovych’s decision to seek closer ties with Russia.
YOUNGSTERS
WORRIED
That worries young protesters. "We were with Russia the whole last
century, and now we know that this is not the best variant, you know," a young man
said. Yet pro-EU demonstrators don't give up hope. "We should realize our ideas. We
understand that we stand here till the end. And this end must be that we win," another
protester said, referring to Ukraine's EU future.
For now, prayers, and protests,
continue to reverberate throughout Kyiv's independence square.