NATO foreign ministers have called for an end to violence in Ukraine, after discussing the biggest protests in the country since its Orange Revolution, dpa reported.
"We condemn the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators in Ukraine. We call on all parties to refrain from provocations and violence," the 28 ministers said Tuesday in a joint statement issued after their first day of talks in Brussels.
They urged Ukraine to "fully abide by its international commitments and to uphold the freedom of expression and assembly," calling also for the government and the opposition to enter into a dialogue and start reforms.
"A sovereign, independent and stable Ukraine, firmly committed to democracy and the rule of law, is key to Euro-Atlantic security," the ministers said, noting that NATO's partnership with Ukraine is based on "the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law."