EU's Ashton to visit Kiev amid political crisis in Ukraine

BRUSSELS

EU's top diplomat Catherine Ashton will head to the capital Kiev of Ukraine on Tuesday in support of finding a resolution to political crisis that broke out after Ukrainian president's refusal of a deal on closer ties with the EU.

According to a written statement made by EU Commission, the visit will last for two days during which Ashton is expected to hold talks with the government and opposition in addition to meeting with representatives of NGOs.

Spokesperson for EU's top diplomat said Ashton would convey EU's clear messages about the necessity of dialogue and political solution among the parties.  

Ashton's upcoming visit came after talks between European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych over the phone. 

Barroso had urged Yanukovych for restraint and a peaceful resolution to end unrest in the country.

Barroso had also reiterated his call for a political resolution through dialogue with the opposition and the non-governmental organizations, said a statement released by the EU Commission.

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