US State Dept Calls on Kiev to Investigate Monday's Clashes

The Ukrainian government should investigate those behind the violent clashes in front of the parliament in Kiev, US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner said in a briefing on Monday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The clashes in Kiev broke out earlier on Monday, after the parliament approved the first reading of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's proposed constitutional amendments to give greater local powers to Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine as part of the Minsk agreement to end conflict.

“We deplore the violence outside the parliament today that reportedly resulted in the death of at least one police officer, as well as dozens of injuries,” Toner said. “We also call for a full investigation into the cause of today’s violence.”

Some 100 people were injured in the clashes and one National Guard soldier was killed, as right-wing Ukrainian nationalists opposed to the Minsk agreements used grenades and firearms, according to the Ukrainian interior ministry.

The United States calls on Ukrainians to respect law and order, Toner said.

“In a democratic society, grievances must be addressed peacefully and lawfully,” he added.

Earlier on Monday, Ukraine’s Interior Minister Arsen Avakov promised a thorough investigation behind the causes of the unrest.