World Jewish News

Victims of sniper fire in Kyiv. February 20, 2014.

Joint Statement of the CNCU and VAAD Ukraine on the Ukrainian situation

Joint Statement of the Congress of National Communities of Ukraine
and the Association of Jewish Communities and Organizations of Ukraine about the situation in Ukraine

We mourn for those citizens of Ukraine who were killed in the tragic events of February 18 — 20, and present our deepest condolences to the wounded and hurt. We are indignant at the irresponsible and shocking acts of the Ukrainian government and law enforcement authorities that led to this tragedy.

The criminals who gave the inhuman order to shoot people using military arms must be punished accordingly.

We call for an immediate end to the violence. We call for an immediate ban on using military arms by the police, and for removing «Berkut» and riot police out of the capitol. We call for the army to not interfere in the political crisis.

We call for all political forces of Ukraine to accept their responsibility in the face of the tragedy which has happened and to find a compromise without delay that could open a way out of the our country''s and society''s political crisis.

We call on the global community to take active part in the Ukrainian situation, helping to stop violence and aiding the negotiations. We ask that sanctions for those who took part in the severe crimes be promptly considered.

We hope that blood will no longer be spilled in the streets of Ukrainian cities, that a political solution will be found, the criminals will be punished, and our country will return to a peaceful life.

We wish all those who were hurt a speedy recovery.

May the memory of the victims live forever.
20.02.2014