The Conference of European Churches seriously concerned about Ukraine conflict

Press Release No: 14/05

20.02.14 09:35

CEC seriously concerned about Ukraine conflict


The Conference of European Churches is seriously concerned about the escalation of the Ukraine conflict, CEC General Secretary, Rev. Dr Guy Liagre has said.


"CEC is urging its member churches to pray that all parties in Ukraine exercise maximum restraint after more than 25 people were killed and many more injured during violent clashes in Kiev between riot police and protesters this week," Liagre said in a statement.


"The Conference of European Churches strongly condemns the killings. CEC appeals to all parties to take swift action to defuse tensions and to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing crisis."


On 18 February violent clashes erupted when protesters attempted to march on Ukraine's Parliament ahead of a debate reinstating the 2004 Constitution.


"CEC's member churches straddle both sides in Ukraine's politics. We urge all of them to pray for wise heads that use negotiations rather than violence to break the impasse dividing the country.


"We appeal to them to find a political solution to the crisis and to stand united against the further escalation of the conflict which affects all segments of society," said Liagre.


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The Conference of European Churches (CEC) is a communion of 115 Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican and Old Catholic Churches from all European countries, and 40 organisations in partnership. It was founded in 1959 and the CEC has offices in Geneva, Brussels and Strasbourg.


For more information:
CEC General Secretariat
Phone +41 22 791 62 28
Fax +41 22 791 62 27
e-mail: GenSecretariat@cec-kek.org


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