McCain urges Kyiv to respect citizens' rights to freedom of expression and assembly

U.S. Senator John McCain has called on the Ukrainian authorities to respect the rights of citizens and not to resort to violence, according to a press release posted on the politician's official Web site.

"The eyes of the world are on Ukraine. Ukraine's leaders should respect their people's basic rights, including freedom of expression and assembly, and refrain from acts of violence against peaceful demonstrators," he said.

"At the same time, it is important for those demonstrating to continue doing so peacefully," McCain said.

He said that Ukrainians should not be forced to choose between a future in the west or the east.

"As Ukrainians continue to press their government to take the necessary steps to sign an association agreement with the EU, the Ukrainian government should listen to the voices of its people and respond to their legitimate aspirations," reads the statement.