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Ashton advises Ukrainian government on establishing dialogue with opposition

Baroness Ashton clarified the Europeans’ position on the issue, saying the EU was promulgating a type of dialogue, in which people could utilize their right to peaceful demonstrations

© ITAR-TASS/EPA

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KIEV, December 11. /ITAR-TASS/. EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Baroness Catherine Ashton has urged the Ukrainian authorities to establish dialogue with the opposition so as to defuse the current political tensions in the country.

She said it at a news briefing Wednesday in a comment on an earlier meeting with President Viktor Yanukovich.

Baroness Ashton clarified the Europeans’ position on the issue, saying the EU was promulgating a type of dialogue, in which people could utilize their right to peaceful demonstrations and meetings instead of provoking the incidents that would only instigate new protests.

She indicated she could conclude from she had heard from Yanukovich that something important was to be done in the coming 24 hours. According to the Baroness, he kept stressing his relentless intention to see strong ties between Ukraine and the European Union.

She stressed the importance of a serious discussion along with making progress by maximally peaceful methods.

The Ukrainian government should work out a stance and release the people who have been detained, Baroness Ashton said, calling on the officials to launch a dialogue with people and leaders of society.

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