U.S., EU Urge Ukraine's Leaders To Resolve Crisis Peacefully

Pro-government demonstrators in Kyiv today (RFE/RL) May 25, 2007 -- The United States and the European Union have urged Ukraine's leaders to resolve their differences peacefully.

White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe urged Ukrainian officials to "live up to their responsibilities in a democracy."

The current holder of the EU Presidency, Germany, issued a similar message, and Russia has expressed concern.

The dispute between President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych escalated today when the president ordered Interior Ministry troops to be put under his control.

(AFP, Reuters)