The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton will go to Kiev to help alleviate the tense situation following the protests that started on November 21 after the Ukrainian administration decided to stop the procedures for the association with the EU. The visit was agreed by President of Ukraine Viktor Yanokovych and the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso, IPN reports.

According to the national news agency “Ukrinform”, Jose Manuel Barroso reiterated the necessity of easing the tension that appeared in the dialog with the opposition and civil society. He underlined that more abstention is needed, while Catherine Ashton’s visit will take place this week.

Jose Manuel Barroso reminded that the EU is ready to sign the Association Agreement with the EU immediately after the required laws are adopted.

On December 8, the protest staged in the Ukrainian capital involved several hundred thousand people. The opposition named it ‘the million’. The protesters blocked central Kiev and set up a town of tents. The young people organized a disco music party near the transport of the peacekeeping forces. The opposition announced that they intend to block the presidential administration, the Government Building and the Building of the Supreme Rada as well as other state institutions.