Biden voices deep concern over situation in Ukraine

US Vice President Joe Biden expressed here Monday his "deep concern" over the situation in Ukraine and "growing potential for violence" in that country. The Office of the Vice President said in a statement that "in a phone call today with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, Vice President Biden expressed his deep concern about the situation in Ukraine and the growing potential for violence." Biden underscored "the need to immediately de-escalate the situation and begin a dialogue with opposition leaders on developing a consensus way forward for Ukraine." He noted that violence "has no place in a democratic society and is incompatible with our strategic relationship." The Vice President reaffirmed "the strong support of the United States for Ukraine's European aspirations and welcomed President Yanukovych's commitment to maintaining this path. "He underscored the close alignment of the United States and the European Union, and welcomed the upcoming visits of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and State Department Assistant Secretary Victoria Nuland to Kyiv," the statement affirmed.