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France summons Ukraine ambassador over Kiev violence

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius summoned the Ukrainian ambassador to Paris on Friday morning to telll him that government repression of opposition demonstrations in Kiev was "unacceptable".

Anti-government protesters attend a rally in Kiev, 24 January 2014.
Anti-government protesters attend a rally in Kiev, 24 January 2014. Reuters/David Mdzinarishvili
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"I instructed the Quai d'Orsay [foreign ministry]teh  to summon the Ukrainian ambassador in France today, which is a gesture to show that there is condemnation on France's part," he added.

Five activists have been killed in several days of violence in Kiev.

"There were orders to fire on the crowd, which is clearly unacceptable," said Fabius.

Fabius also said he was in contact with main opposition leader and former world boxing champion Vitali Klitschko and criticised recently passed anti-protest laws.

Pro-European demonstrators have occupied central Kiev since November to protest at President Viktor Yanukovych's refusal to sign a deal with the European Union. 

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