The German government is concerned at the actions taken by Ukrainian security forces against demonstrators in Kyiv, reported deputy government spokesman Georg Streiter in Berlin. He called on all sides to refrain from any sort of violence.
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Georg Streiter expressed the great concern of the German government over actions of the Ukrainian police overnight. Special units used force against pro-western demonstrators on Independence Square, the Maidan, in Kyiv.
The deputy government spokesman said the German government, "continues to call for a non-violent approach and urged that the demonstrators’ right to freedom of assembly be respected". All sides bear their share of the responsibility. It is important to deescalate the situation not to escalate matters. This is why the German government expressly supports the mediation efforts of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Lady Catherine Ashton, who is currently in Kyiv for talks.
The spokesperson of the German Federal Foreign Office, Martin Schäfer, also made it quite clear that, "Violence on any side, including the Ukrainian security forces, is undoubtedly the wrong method".
To find a peaceful way to resolve the current situation, Georg Streiter declared that there must be a serious dialogue between the Ukrainian government and demonstrators, civil society and the opposition.
The people are protesting in the streets of Kyiv because they want to see their country move closer to European values, stressed the deputy spokesman. This is why Germany and the EU would still like to see the Association Agreement with the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with Ukraine signed.
Association Agreements are agreements under international law, under the provisions of which a party enters into an association with a community, which falls short of full membership of that community. The community accords the associate member specific privileges and obligations.
"We would like to take European-Ukrainian relations to a new level, in order to open up new opportunities for the people of Ukraine," declared Georg Streiter. It is now up to President Viktor Yanukovych, to deal responsibly with the wishes of a large number of Ukrainian citizens and with the offers made by the EU in the interests of his country.
The deputy government spokesman stated unequivocally that the Ukrainian government’s demands of billions of euros of assistance from the EU is only an attempt to deflect attention from the fact that it is solely responsible for the current political situation. The facts of the matter are still unchanged though – the reforms and the rise in trade that will go hand in hand with the Association Agreement will help Ukraine overcome its difficult economic situation in the long term.
Commenting on the philosophy behind the Association Agreement, Federal Foreign Office spokesperson Martin Schäfer said that the Agreement is nothing other than a wide-ranging, comprehensive offer to Ukraine. It aims to help the country take the European path – the path of economic, social and political reforms.
"This offer is on the table," said Martin Schäfer. The German government and Europe agree that the door is still open.