US expressed concerns over democratic principles in Ukraine

The US expressed its concerns Thursday on a bill passed by the Ukrainian parliament – or Verkhovna Rada, as it is also known – that curtails freedoms of speech, assembly and association in the Eastern European nation which has seen non-stop protests since November.

“The United States expresses its deep concern that the Ukrainian Rada pushed through several controversial measures today without adhering to proper procedures,” said State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf in a statement.

“Some of these measures will restrict the right to peacefully protest and exercise the freedom of speech, constrain independent media, and inhibit the operation of NGOs.”

“If Ukraine truly aspires to a European future, it must defend and advance universal democratic principles and values that underpin a Europe whole, free, and at peace, and not allow them to be systematically dismantled,” she added.