Ukraine to discuss political crisis

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is anticipated to hold discussions with three former presidents over the political crisis in Ukraine. The crisis unfolded after Ukraine decided not to sign an European Union free-trade deal. The talks come as protesters remain encamped in a central square in the capital Kiev. On Monday, security forces cleared some activists from government buildings, a BBC News report said Tuesday. The stand-off follows weeks of unrest. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton will also be in Kiev. Ashton will hold talks with government officials, opposition activists and civil society groups "to support a way out of the political crisis", her office said in a statement. The European Commission says the EU's offer of an association agreement with Ukraine remains on the table, provided Ukraine meets the conditions - and they cannot be renegotiated, the report added.