Barroso urges Yanukovych to find political solution with opposition through dialogue, Ashton to travel to Kyiv

European Commission President Barroso has spoken with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on the phone to reiterate the need for a political solution to the current tensions, through dialogue with the opposition and civil society, the EC said in a press release on Sunday.

Barroso recalled the need to respect civil freedoms and to exert maximum restraint.

Barroso announced that the High Representative and Vice-President Cathy Ashton would travel to Kyiv this week to support a way out of the political crisis.

Barroso also recalled the EU's position of signing the Association Agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area once the conditions are met.