Catherine Ashton in talks with Ukraine about a trade agreement with Europe
- 11 years ago
EU Foreign Relations Chief, Catherine Ashton, is urging Ukraine to sign a trade agreement with Europe.
President Yanukovych previously rejected a deal, which has led to weeks of unrest.
Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister is to travel to Brussels on Wednesday for more talks.
Ashton says Yanukovych has told her he wants a strong EU relationship, and is willing to sign an agreement.
“I believe he should sign as soon as possible, because I think it’s in the interest of Ukraine to do so,” said Ashton. “I have to accept that what the president says to me is what he is saying to me for me to carry back the message.”
But the Baroness also said she discussed the police tactics against the demonstrators..
“ I made it perfectly clear that this is not the way to go forward,” she added. “I made it perfectly clear that we expect to see discussion and dialogue with people who are using their right to assembly to make a peaceful demonstration.”
Catherine Ashton had previously met with opposition leaders. She says the focus is now on bringing about dialogue between all parties concerned, stating that the EU would do its part to support this process.
President Yanukovych previously rejected a deal, which has led to weeks of unrest.
Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister is to travel to Brussels on Wednesday for more talks.
Ashton says Yanukovych has told her he wants a strong EU relationship, and is willing to sign an agreement.
“I believe he should sign as soon as possible, because I think it’s in the interest of Ukraine to do so,” said Ashton. “I have to accept that what the president says to me is what he is saying to me for me to carry back the message.”
But the Baroness also said she discussed the police tactics against the demonstrators..
“ I made it perfectly clear that this is not the way to go forward,” she added. “I made it perfectly clear that we expect to see discussion and dialogue with people who are using their right to assembly to make a peaceful demonstration.”
Catherine Ashton had previously met with opposition leaders. She says the focus is now on bringing about dialogue between all parties concerned, stating that the EU would do its part to support this process.