France condemns violence, indiscriminate use of force in Ukraine

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius on Tuesday condemned the resumption of violence in Ukraine and the indiscriminate use of force by security forces.Reports said Tuesday afternoon that at least 11 people were killed among opposition protesters occupying part of central Kiev, the Ukrainian capital."I call on all parties to show the greatest restraint and to immediately resume the path of dialogue," Fabius said.Police have given protesters a deadline for late Tuesday afternoon to halt protests and vacate areas they are occupying, including military, public and government offices.Fabius said that dialogue was "the only path to arrive at a political solution which can answer the aspirations of the Ukrainian people." The protests began several weeks ago after Ukraine decided not to pursue talks with the European Union on forming a closer association and possibly applying for membership of the EU. The current Ukrainian authorities are favouring closer ties with Russia and have the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin, both politically and financially through energy and other agreements.