KIEV
Ukraine will not use force to disperse anti-government protestors, President Viktor Yanukovych assured visiting US Congress senators on Monday.
Yanukovych on Sunday held a meeting with US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations member John McCain, as well as Chairman of the Subcommittee on European Affairs of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Cristopher Murphy.
They discussed a range of issues about Ukrainian foreign policy, according to Ukraine's Presidency. Yanukovych emphasized the European integration course and the fidelity to national interests.
He assured that the government has undertaken all efforts to ensure citizens' rights to peaceful demonstrations. In response, the US senators voiced their hope that Ukrainian security forces will not use force against demonstrators.
Before meeting with Yanukovych, McCain met with anti-government protestors and political leaders.
The unrest and ongoing protests in Ukraine were triggered in November when President Yanukovych refused to sign the "Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement" (DCFTA) offered by the EU. DCFTA was meant to serve as a springboard for Ukraine becoming closer to the 28-member bloc, with the possibility of full membership in the future.
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