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The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore T.D., is travelling to Brussels today for an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council which was called yesterday to address the worsening crisis in Ukraine.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Tánaiste said:

“I have been appalled at events this week in Kiev which have left so many dead and wounded. I believe we need to respond in a robust manner and send a clear message that the violence we have seen in recent days is simply unacceptable.

This afternoon, I will discuss with other Foreign Ministers how best we can send such a message. But I wish to make it clear that Ireland is ready to contemplate measures -- including targeted sanctions -- in order to restore calm and resolve the political crisis.

The use of force cannot be a means of resolving the political stalemate in Ukraine. The only sustainable way forward is genuine political engagement which is focused on meeting the democratic aspirations of the Ukrainian people.

The authorities must respect and protect the fundamental rights of Ukraine’s citizens. There is a particular responsibility on President Yanukovych and his government to chart a way forward through dialogue. I would strongly encourage him to take those steps now.”