OSCE PA President Ilkka KanervaCOPENHAGEN, 31 August 2015 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ilkka Kanerva (MP, Finland) today condemned the violence that occurred during protests outside of Ukraine’s parliament earlier on 31 August, which resulted in the death of at least one member of the National Guard and scores injured.

“There is no justification for the violence that occurred in Kyiv today. The last thing that Ukraine needs is more blood spilled on its soil and more destruction, and I urge protesters to express their grievances by peaceful means only. Ukraine’s parliament, and society at large, is grappling with tough and emotionally charged issues that have a direct bearing on war and peace and commitments under the Minsk Agreements. Broad national dialogue and work through democratic channels is what is needed, not bombs,” Kanerva said.

President Kanerva called on those responsible for the violence to be held accountable in accordance with the law. He expressed his condolences to the victims and their families.