Kerry slams new Ukraine assault
Xinhua, January 25, 2015 Adjust font size:
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Saturday condemned assault by Ukrainian rebels on civilian neighborhood in eastern Ukraine, which killed at least 30 people, threatening increased U.S. and international pressure on Russia.
"I join my European counterparts in condemning in the strongest terms today's horrific assault by Russia-backed separatists on civilian neighborhoods in Mariupol," said Kerry in a statement.
The top American diplomat accused Russia of its "irresponsible and dangerous decision" to resupply rebels with advanced weaponry and urged Russia to close its international border with Ukraine and withdraw all weapons, fighters and financial backing.
"Otherwise, U.S. and international pressure on Russia and its proxies will only increase," said the statement.
On Saturday morning, the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol came under shelling of rocket fire, which hit an open-air market and nearby homes and shops and caused heavy casualties. TV footage showed buildings and cars in flames.
Currently, the death toll of the rocket attack has risen to 30, while almost a hundred people were wounded, according to local authorities. Endi