Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus

20 February 2014

20-02-2014

The Republic of Belarus is concerned about the escalation of the situation in Ukraine that has resulted in casualties. We believe that radical, unlawful methods of resolving internal political conflicts are unacceptable.

We cannot but note that when assessing the dramatic events that have taken place in Ukraine in the recent months, the Western countries have underlined repeatedly the “peaceful” nature of the protests and neglected the unlawful occupation of administrative buildings, use of “Molotov cocktails” and fire arms by the protesters in clashes with the police.

Such a position which, in fact, verges on connivance to radicalism and extremism has played its negative role in the escalation of violence. The approaches used with regard to the situation in Ukraine are in striking contrast to comments made in connection with the protest actions in other European countries, where the law enforcement authorities have to use force to maintain the rule of law.

Belarus consistently stands for the settlement of the political crisis in Ukraine by peaceful means, in full compliance with the constitutional rule of law, and without external interference.

We renew our hope for stabilization of the situation in Ukraine in the nearest future.

Minsk, February 20, 2014

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