Ukraine PM Says Protests Bear Hallmarks of Coup
Ukraine's prime minister on Monday compared pro-EU demonstrations in the country to a coup, branding them illegal and "out of control".
Tens of thousands have been protesting in Kiev, occupying City Hall and blocking entrances to the government headquarters, in an ongoing standoff after the government failed to sign a key EU pact.
"Blocking the work of state institutions is not a peaceful demonstration. This has all the signs of a coup," Mykola Azarov told ambassadors from the European Union, Canada, and the United States. "That is very serious."
The takeover of key government buildings would mean Ukrainians would stop getting pensions and salaries "in a matter of days," he warned, alleging it a "plan of forced seizure of the parliament".
"Politicians that have joined the protest have radicalized the situation," he said.
"From a mass protest, this has grown into one that is out of control."
Azarov met with the envoys after police forced the protesters off the square at the weekend, causing injuries to nearly 200 people, including journalists.
The crackdown led to a horrified reaction in the West and the demand by current EU chair Lithuania to launch a probe.
"I call on the ambassadors: do everything to call on the opposition politicians not to permit violence against the police, to ask for peaceful dialogue, to renounce the language of ultimatums and sit at the negotiating table," he said.
"We are patient, but we want our partners not to feel that everything is permitted."
Azarov said Ukraine's authorities were "ready for dialogue" with the protesters and promised that violence would not be used against peaceful demonstrators.
"The authorities are guaranteeing non-use of force against peaceful protesters," he said.
Source: Agence France Presse
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