The European Union (EU) is ready to hold not just expert, but also political level consultations with Ukraine and Russia on the implementation aspects of the Association Agreement, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said.
“We also confirmed today that the EU is ready to hold not just expert, but also political level consultations with Ukraine and Russia on the implementation aspects of the agreement,” Ashton said at a press conference after the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday.
Russia is expected to take into account the fact that Association Agreements with Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia will be signed soon, Ashton said.
“And of course, [EU Foreign Affairs] ministers reminded everyone that any threats by Russia of trade measures against countries which sign these agreements are unjustified,” Ashton said.
Ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov earlier said that Russia is interested in a dialogue with Ukraine and the EU over the issues relating to the future signing by Kyiv of an Association Agreement with the EU and believes such a dialogue must not be delayed.
“We believe that such a dialogue should continue without delay. This is true. At this moment, I have no confirmation of this event yet from any of the parties, but my understanding is that, judging by the statements by all those involved, all parties are interested,” Chizhov told Interfax by phone from Brussels.
