German chancellor expresses concerns over situation in Ukraine

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed concerns on the situation in Ukraine on Thursday at a cabinet meeting in Meseberg, after first deaths in Kiev were reported.

Merkel reiterate the position of German Federal Government in Meseberg, after German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier talked about it with his Ukrainian counterpart in a telephone call on Wednesday.

"We expect the Ukrainian government to secure democratic freedoms, particularly the possibility for peaceful demonstrations, that the government protects life and that violence does not happen,"said Merkel.

Merkel also called on Ukraine's government and the opposition to return to peaceful dialogue.

It is "the task of every government" to ensure the possibilities of free expression, said Merkel.

The federal government was "extremely concerned and outraged" about how the legislation was repealed in Ukraine, which makes the fundamental freedoms questionable, Merkel said.

Demonstrations erupted in Kiev in November after Ukraine backtracked on a partnership agreement with the European Union, a path toward a membership of the bloc.

At least two demonstrators were shot dead in Kiev on Wednesday morning during clashes with police.