"The sharp escalation in the current political crisis, that has manifested itself in large and disproportionate use of force against protesters by Interior Ministry special forces in Kiev (during negotiations with representatives of the leaders of the opposition) is due to a stubborn unwillingness by the authorities to listen to the people, on whose behalf it runs the country.
This radicalisation of dissent is a direct result of the attempt by the ruling majority in Parliament to narrow the rights and freedoms of citizens of Ukraine (rather than build a dialogue with them). There is a stubborn reluctance by the government to bear political responsibility for refusing to sign an Association Agreement with the EU, or for the blatant violence that took place during the dispersal of rallies November 30 and 11 December 2013 (that ignored any attempts at arbitration). The Cabinet not did not make any compromises, but allowed the use of special equipment. Premier Azarov, his speech at a meeting of the Cabinet January 22, 2014, actually encouraged a further escalation of violence and tyranny - the victims of which are peaceful protesters.
The justification for the use of special equipment (ie, water cannons, flash grenades, sniper weapons) and repression is in response to the actions of some extreme protesters, who in no way are representative of the vast majority of supporters of a peaceful protest. However, under no circumstances is the killing of protesters justified. Finding a peaceful solution to the conflict is not only an option, but the government's primary responsibility. The continued use of force is destroying democratic systems and trust in public institutions.
Under the principles of non-violence, the Green Party calls upon all people of peace, international organisations and institutions to urgently intervene to stop the violence and to call for the prevention of deaths and injuries. As founders of the European Green Party we appeal to the Committee of the EGP and the Green Group in the European Parliament to take immediate and effective steps to stop the violence in Ukraine.
To prevent further forms of violence, we propose that Interior Ministry units and protesters leave the area outside the parliament, creating a kind of " demilitarized " zone of free passage and travel.
We demand the immediate calling of an extraordinary parliamentary session to repeal the "laws" passed January 16, the government's resignation and the dissolution of the “Berkut” Special Forces.
The only chance of Ukraine retaining a democratic and humanistic perspective of development is under these contitions.
[Original statement here.]
