Biden calls Ukraine President to withdraw govt forces in Kiev

Washington: US Vice President Joe Biden has expressed "grave concern" over escalation in violence in Kiev and called on Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to pull back security forces and exercise maximum restraint.

"The Vice President made clear that the United States condemns violence by any side, but that the government bears special responsibility to de-escalate the situation," the White House yesterday said in a statement.

Ukraine protests. AP image

Biden underscored the urgency of immediate dialogue with opposition leaders to address protesters' legitimate grievances and to put forward serious proposals for political reform, it said.

"The United States is committed to supporting efforts to promote a peaceful resolution to the crisis that reflects the will and aspirations of the Ukrainian people," it said. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said Secretary of State John Kerry shares the concerns expressed by Biden directly to Yanukovych.

"We call on President Yanukovych and the Ukrainian government to de-escalate the situation immediately, and resume dialogue with the opposition on a peaceful path forward," Psaki said.

Earlier in the day, Department of State alerted US citizens of the increased risks in travelling to Ukraine because of the ongoing political crisis. "US citizens are urged to maintain a low profile and to remain indoors at night while clashes continue," the travel advisory said.

Obama administration is appalled by the violence that is taking place in downtown Kiev, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters.

"We continue to condemn the street violence and excessive use of force by either side. The force will not resolve the
crisis. To restore peace and stability we urge President Yanukovych to deescalate immediately the situation and end the confrontation at Maidan. We also urge him to restart a dialogue with opposition leaders today to develop a consensus way forward for Ukraine," he said.

At least 18 people have been killed since yesterday after riot police launched a fresh assault on protesters in central
Kiev. The protests broke out in November when the President ditched a pact with the EU in favour of closer ties with former Soviet master Russia.

PTI