US Sen. John McCain: 'The eyes of the world are on Ukraine' - Dec. 03, 2013

US Sen. John McCain: ‘The eyes of the world are on Ukraine’

Published Dec. 3, 2013 at 9:40 am

Protesters stand in front of riot policemen in front of the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev prior to the parliament session on December 3, 2013. Thousands of Ukrainian protesters massed outside parliament in Kiev as lawmakers were set to debate a vote of no confidence in the government over the scrapping of a deal with the European Union. The opposition has called for a vote of no confidence in the government of Prime Minister Mykola Azarov amid days of mass protests over the abandoning of the historic pact, the biggest protests in the ex-Soviet country since the pro-Western Orange Revolution in 2004. AFP PHOTO/ SERGEI SUPINSKY

Photo by AFP

STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON DEMONSTRATIONS IN UKRAINE

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on the public demonstrations in Ukraine:

“The public demonstrations unfolding in Ukraine are a powerful expression of the high expectations that Ukrainians have for a future of democratic reform, economic opportunity, and integration into the Euro-Atlantic community.

“The eyes of the world are on Ukraine. Ukraine’s leaders should respect their people’s basic rights, including freedom of expression and assembly, and refrain from acts of violence against peaceful demonstrators. At the same time, it is important for those demonstrating to continue doing so peacefully.

“Ukrainians should not be forced to choose between a future in the west or the east. They should be free to chart their nation’s future as they choose, in the best interest of Ukraine’s citizens. As Ukrainians continue to press their government to take the necessary steps to sign an association agreement with the EU, the Ukrainian government should listen to the voices of its people and respond to their legitimate aspirations.”