President Barack Obama says the U.S. is outraged by violence in Ukraine and is urging President Viktor Yanukovych to withdraw forces from downtown Kiev immediately.
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Obama says the U.S. urges Ukraine's military not to get involved in a conflict that must be resolved politically. He's expressing outrage about images of Ukrainian security forces firing automatic guns on Ukrainian people.
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Obama says in a statement that Ukraine should respect the right of protest and that protesters must be peaceful. He's calling for dialogue to reduce tensions and address the people's grievances.
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Ferocious street battles between protesters and police have left dozens dead and hundreds wounded in recent days, raising fears of an uncontrollable spiral of violence in the ex-Soviet state. The U.S. has already threatened sanctions. (AP)
