Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Georgia has condemned the use of force by Ukraine against anti-government protesters in Kiev.

"We strongly condemn the use of force and are extremely concerned about the tragic events of February 18-19 in Kiev which left heavy casualties. We express our condolences and support to the families of victims and injured among which, unfortunately, there are also Georgian citizens. These events, which we are monitoring closely, are incompatible with democratic, human rights and European values. We join the international call on the government of Ukraine to take long steps to return the conflicting parties to the negotiation table so that the current events don't turn into a large-scale civil strife," Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze said.

She said Georgia once again expresses solidarity to the Ukrainian people in the difficult moment and believes that dialogue is the only way to overcome the current political crisis.

The riots in Kiev were resumed on February 18 after opposition parties in the parliament called for restoration of the Constitution of 2004. Anti-government protesters broke into the building in the center of Kiev, burned tires and threw stones at cars and police officers.

The opposition used firearms for the first time, according to the police. Doctors say that in total, some 351 people sought for medical assistance, 241 participants of the mass events were hospitalized and 25 people were killed. The dead include around ten law enforcement officers. Over 70 law enforcement officers were shot and wounded during clashes with protesters.

The mass protests in Ukraine began on November 21, 2013, when the government announced the suspension of the preparation of the Association Agreement with the EU.