US Threatens Sanctions as Tensions Rise in Kiev

[dipsydoodle]

MOSCOW/WASHINGTON, January 20 (RIA Novosti) – The United States has slammed Ukrainian authorities over violent clashes between police and demonstrators in the capital Sunday and threatened to impose sanctions if force is used against protesters.

Dozens were injured in Kiev as police deployed water cannons, stun grenades and tear gas against protesters throwing Molotov cocktails, fireworks and other projectiles at police, international news agencies reported.

National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said the US is deeply concerned about the latest clashes.

Hayden said the Ukrainian government "has moved to weaken the foundations of Ukraine's democracy by criminalizing peaceful protest and stripping civil society and political opponents of key democratic protections under the law," Associated Press reported. She called on Ukraine to open a dialogue with the opposition.

The White House says the US is considering measures including sanctions if the Ukrainian government uses violence, echoing a warning from the US State Department last month.

http://en.ria.ru/world/20140120/186719842/US-Threatens-Sanctions-as-Tensions-Rise-in-Kiev.html

Its not sanctions needed to encourage the Ukraine to go with Europe : its considered to be c. €220 billion which is more or less equal to the cost of the Greek bailout. Maybe the US would like to fund that instead.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

1. i find it funny

when US officials slam any gov't for brutal tactics... if molotov cocktails where thrown in a protest in the USA there would likely be automatic weapons fire from the militarized police in response.

sP