| Author (Person) | Mahony, Honor |
|---|---|
| Series Title | EUObserver |
| Series Details | 09.12.13 |
| Publication Date | 09/12/2013 |
| Content Type | News |
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Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the Commission, travelled to Ukraine on the 10 December 2013, in support of efforts to find a political solution to the political crisis in the country. The two-day visit was announced by President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso following a phone conversation with President Victor Yanukovych on the 8 December against the background of continuing mass demonstrations in Kiev. The High Representative met with President Yanukovych and government officials as well as opposition leaders. She also met with representatives of civil society, including human rights activists, and the representatives of 'EuroMaidan' movement. Ukrainian anti-riot forces took the central square of Kyiv by storm that same night, clashing with protestors just hours after Mrs Ashton had met Mr Yanukovich. Reports from several media said that riot police had begun leaving the large protest camp in central Kyiv on the 11 December 2013, while the Ukrainian government appeared to be mulling a deal with the EU, in exchange for more aid. Speaking to press in Kiev on the 11 December, Mrs Ashton said the Ukrainian leader "assured me when I met him that he does intend to sign the [EU] association agreement". However, she also voiced doubt on the integrity of Mr Yanukovych following their second meeting in Ukraine, while saying that the people of Ukraine deserve better than their current situation. An US envoy spoke for the first time of possible sanctions against Yanukovich’s regime. |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source http://euobserver.com/news/122398 |
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| Countries / Regions | Europe, Ukraine |
