Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Venizelos issues statement regarding the situation in Ukraine

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos made the following statement regarding the situation in Ukraine:

“Let us hope that yesterday’s ceasefire in Ukraine is the first step toward calming the situation and checking the violence. The condemnation of violence is absolute, and all of Ukraine’s political and social forces must contribute so that this crisis can be overcome, so that we can reach a government that is inclusive, consensus-based; a government that will lead the country on the path of unity, of restoration of order, of ensuring territorial integrity; a government that will lead the Ukrainian people towards the great goal, which is for them to emerge as a great nation and a major factor on the European continent, as they are and as they deserve to be.

The Greek Presidency turns its thought to the victims, to the families of the dead, to the injured. The Greek Presidency unequivocally condemns anyone who incites or instigates the use or escalation of violence.

We are working closely with EU High Representative Catherine Ashton. I am in contact with many of my colleagues. There is unquestionably a need for mobilization, not just of the EU, but of the international community. The role of the U.S. and the role of the Russian Federation is very, very important. I would like to hope that the messages are very clear, and that they are borne in mind by President Yanukovych and all of those playing a role in Ukraine.”