by
Martin Banks
German deputy Elmar Brok said these had "discredited" the Ukraine government and its president.
His comments on Thursday come amid warnings that Washington is preparing financial sanctions that could be imposed on Ukrainian officials and protest leaders if violence escalates in Ukraine.
Six people have died in the two-month long protests, sparked by President Viktor Yanukovich rejecting a treaty on closer ties with the EU.
In an interview with EBR, Brok, who chairs the European Parliament´s influential foreign affairs committee, said, "The people protesting on the Maidan come from all walks of life in Ukrainian society.
"They are united in their protest against a regime marked by corruption, inefficiency and disrespect for human rights and basic human freedoms."
The EPP member added, "The leaders of the opposition have repeatedly shown that they are willing to enter into negotiations with president Yanukovich, provided these are serious talks and not aimed at buying time for the regime.
"The leaders of the opposition have also repeatedly spoken out against provocative actions outside the Maidan protests.
"Today, they managed through negotiations with a more and more embattled president to have the laws of 16 January repealed. The Prime minister has resigned. This is an important step.
"But the violence and abuses committed by the Ukrainian security forces have discredited this government and its President.
"The only way to settle this conflict is through new elections, in which Ukrainians can let it be known at the ballot box whether they want to live in a country that respects democratic principles and the rule of law and enters a path towards political stability and prosperity, or whether they want to see the continuation of policies that have led the country towards inequality and the violation of rules."
The centre-right MEP went on, "Since last November the police have been arbitrarily harassing, beating and arresting people. In addition, the president had passed the laws of January 16th. It has been a consistent and purposely policy of provocation that has triggered a legitimate reaction by the demonstrators.
"They are not attacking. They are defending themselves."
Elsewhere, EU Council chief Herman Van Rompuy has blamed Ukrainian authorities for “destabilisng” Ukraine, as protests fan out to the east and west of Kiev.
The Belgian politician, who chairs EU summits, spoke in Warsaw on Saturday (24 January) alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
“I strongly deplore and condemn the unjustified use of force and brutality by the Ukrainian authorities against demonstrators - with the vast majority still being peaceful demonstrators,” he said.
“Recent restrictions on fundamental freedoms … will only further destabilise the country,” he added.
By: N. Peter Kramer
