<blockquote>'..both the US and UN issued strongly-worded statements urging the authorities to avoid use of "excessive force" to disperse the protesters.
US President Barack Obama warned there "will be consequences" for anyone who steps over the line in Ukraine - including the military intervening in a situation that civilians should resolve.'
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BBC, 19 February 2014</blockquote>
Context<blockquote>
'..a disturbing trend in too many parts of Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans.'</blockquote>