Imposing sanctions against Ukrainian government officials would not be the best way to solve the crisis in Ukraine, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton told reporters during a visit to Riga on Thursday, informs LETA.

Catherine Ashton and Edgars Rinkevics. Riga, 30.01.2014. Photo: flickr.com

When asked by a reporter if the EU was considering sanctions against the Ukrainian leaders, Ashton said that all avenues are being analyzed for renewal of political dialog. The EU believes that this will be the best way to help Ukraine solve its problems, Ashton said following a meeting today with Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics (Reform Party).

Ashton commented that it is important that the violence and persecution of protesters is halted in Ukraine, so that the people can freely express their opinion. Renewing political dialog is important as this will help solve differences, but this dialog must be restored by Ukraine itself, without other countries' involvement, she stressed.

Politicians must sit at one table with representatives from the populace. The Ukrainian parliament plays an important role in this process, because it will have to not only analyze the recent Amnesty Law but also debate various amendments to the country's Constitution. Work must continue on the organization of free and democratic elections in Ukraine in the future, said Ashton, adding that the EU would continue to support Ukraine.

Ashton said that, during her recent visit to Ukraine, she met with the former Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk to discuss the situation there. Kravchuk confirmed that he would like to participate in the restoration of political dialog, Ashton said.

During Ashton's meeting with Rinkevics today, the officials discussed Latvia's preparations for the presidency of the EU Council, cooperation with Central Asia, and the EU's relations with Russia, with Rinkevics saying he hoped for more progress in the EU-Russia relations during Latvia's presidency of the EU Council.