France and Poland condemn Ukraine violence, call for dialogue

The leaders of France and Poland on Monday condemned violence in Ukraine and called for dialogue between the government and pro-EU demonstrators, the French presidency said. French President Francois Hollande discussed the crisis with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk by telephone, a statement from Hollande's office said. "They condemned the violence that has led to numerous injuries among demonstrators, police and journalists," the statement said. The two men also "called on all parties to quickly open a dialogue" and reiterated that the EU remained ready to sign an association accord with Ukraine that was rejected by the Kiev government under pressure from Russia.