KIEV, January 21 (RIA Novosti) – Even after massive disturbances in Kiev that left dozens injured, Ukrainian authorities see no need to impose a state of emergency, although the use of force against protesters is possible, the country’s premier said on Tuesday.
“The situation in Kiev is far from events when the possibility of a state of emergency should be considered, even theoretically,” Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said in an interview with the Rossiya 24 TV.
Meanwhile, groups of young people again started throwing Molotov cocktails at riot police in central Kiev late on Tuesday.
“If provocations continue, then the authorities will have no other choice but to use of force within the framework of the law,” he said.
Azarov blamed the mass disturbances on opposition leaders.
Earlier this week, the former Soviet country saw its worst street violence since anti-government demonstrations began in November.
Rioters threw Molotov cocktails, stones and fireworks at police lines, and law enforcement officers responded with plastic bullets, stun grenades and arrests. Vehicles were also set alight during the clashes.
Ukraine’s Interior Ministry said Tuesday that 119 police officers have been hurt in the fighting, with injuries including broken bones, burns and poisoning. City officials said Monday that 104 protesters had been hurt and 44 hospitalized.
