The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America has condemned any use of force and urged the government of Ukraine to refrain from using violence against participants of rallies in Kyiv and across Ukraine.

"The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), the representative organization of the over one million Americans of Ukrainian descent, condemns any use of force and urges the government of Ukraine to refrain from further violence against the peaceful protesters gathered in Kyiv and throughout all of Ukraine," the UCCA said in a statement posted on its Web site.

Ukrainians have the right to come together and collectively express and defend their common European interests, the organization said.

"The UCCA calls upon the government of Ukraine to respect the rule of law, conform to its international commitments and to uphold democratic principles, one of which is the freedom to assemble," the organization said.

"The protests currently being held in Ukraine in support of EU association are the political right and civil liberty of citizens living in a democracy."

The UCCA also said it stands in solidarity with all Ukrainians gathered on the EuroMaidans throughout Ukraine who are freely expressing their desire for a European future.