PFD Statement regarding critical situation in Ukraine

The Parliamentary Forum for Democracy (PFD) urges all members and fellow parliamentarians worldwide to condemn the violent actions today, 18 February 2014, in Kiev, Ukraine by the Ukrainian authorities against the peaceful protestors in Ukraine, particularly those in and around the "Maidan" square. The use of brutal and deadly force against peaceful protestors is unacceptable. It is a violation of human rights and an affront the values and principles of democracy we all hold so dear.

With at least twenty six people dead, scores more injured and the very likely possibility of more violence to ensue in the coming days or hours, we ask all of you to stand in support of the people of Ukraine, particularly with those who have stood freezing temperatures, long days and nights, who have suffered arrests and in some cases torture to peacefully protest against the decisions of the Ukrainian government, specifically the singular actions by the President of Ukraine, to refuse signature on a pre-agreed pact with the European Union in favour of a trade deal with Russia. We ask you to petition, to speak out in the media, to use all possible diplomatic channels and any other tools available to you in your democracies to convince the Ukrainian government to immediately cease its violent actions and to use restraint when policing or managing public order with regard to protestors and that it give the people the right to assemble and the right of free speech, which should be the inherent rights of all people in any free, democratic state. We also ask you to call upon the Ukrainian government to productively carry out peaceful negotiations with the opposition leaders and to come to a settlement that satisfies the will of the people of Ukraine.