Ashton says Yanukovych assured her of determination to sign association agreement with EU
BRUSSELS. Dec 11 (Interfax) - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton says Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych assured her of his preparedness to maintain dialogue and urges him to do so.
"In the long discussion I have had with the President he reassured me that he was prepared to engage in dialogue and I urge him to do so. He also reiterated his wish to sign the Association Agreement. I discussed with him the urgent need to release those arrested, to ensure a prompt and fair investigation, and to bring those responsible for violence to justice," Ashton said in a statement following her Tuesday meeting with Yanukovych and before their Wednesday meeting.
"From talking to civil society representatives, opposition and former Ukrainian Presidents I conclude that last night's police action makes the launch of a political dialogue more difficult than before. In the next hours I will try to explore all possible ways to assure that a genuine peaceful solution is still in reach. It will require a high amount of political courage and determination," she said.
Ashton said she was "deeply concerned about last night's action taken by riot police."
"I have been very much impressed with the peaceful and courageous nature of the ongoing protests in support of European aspirations. I condemn the use of force and violence - which cannot be the answer to peaceful demonstrations - and I call for utmost restraint," Ashton said.
