France urges EU to examine sanctions against Ukraine

In the wake of severe violence in several parts of Ukraine on Tuesday, when at least 25 people died, France is gearing up to ask for European Union sanctions against authorities in Ukraine, probably the President and security-related Ministers, government sources said. Already on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius condemned what he said was "indiscriminate use of force" by security forces and he called for renewal of dialogue between the parties. The violence started several weeks ago after the Ukrainian government declined to pursue trade negotiations with the European Union which would have brought closer ties and maybe put Ukraine on a path to join the EU some years down the line. The Ukrainian government decided, instead, to seek rapprochement with Moscow and signed energy and other deals with the Russian government. This has sparked ongoing protests and occupation of government and public buildings throughout Western Ukraine but mostly in the capital, Kiev, but also in the western city of Lvov. The clashes Tuesday erupted after a lull which ended in a police deadline to clear the main square in Kiev, with riot police charging protesters late in the evening. Police sources reported nine officers dead and 16 fatalities among protesters. Speaking after a regular Cabinet meeting, Fabius asked by journalists for a reaction on Wednesday, said France "cannot remain indifferent" and would be consulting with Germany and probably pushing for sanctions, "France Info" radio reported. Government sources said President Francois Hollande told the Cabinet meeting that France believed "individuals" responsible for the violence should be held accountable and that these people should be targeted by "individual EU sanctions." Sanctions are likely against President Viktor Yanukovitch and security officials and ministers. Yanukovitch is close to Moscow and has firm support from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has already complained about outside interference by the West in Ukrainian affairs.