Barroso, Yanukovych discuss Ukraine situation

Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych Monday called European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso to discuss developments in Ukraine following big demonstrations in Kiev to protest refusal by the Kiev government to sign an agreement for closer ties with the EU. Barroso called on all sides to show restraint, and said all civil rights and liberties should be respected and the use of force by police should be investigated as soon as possible, a statement released by his office tonight said. Barroso also told Yanukovych that it was important the Ukrainian authorities urgently engage with all relevant political forces, and that a peaceful and political solution was the only way for Ukraine out of the current situation. President Yanukovych agreed with this approach and explicitly confirmed the intention to investigate into the use of force by the Ukrainian police and to inform the public about the results, said the statement. During the same telephone call, the President of Ukraine has asked the European Commission to receive a delegation from Ukraine to have a discussion on some aspects of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU. Barroso confirmed the readiness of the European Commission to receive such a delegation at the appropriate level, noted the statement.