No details on foreign financial assistance to Ukraine

(Beta/AP)

No details on foreign financial assistance to Ukraine

KIEV -- Russia should be a good neighbor to Ukraine and allow it to move forward in the direction that is has chosen, said Catherine Ashton.

The EU understands the need for strong ties between Russia and Ukraine, but, EU's foreign policy chief said in Kiev on Tuesday, a clear message must be sent "about the territorial integrity of Ukraine."

Ashton said she had traveled to Kiev to provide support to Ukraine to be strong and move in the direction it chooses.

"The focus has to be on the way out of the short-term problems, and then long-term plans are needed, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development," she said, according to Reuters.

Ashton did not give any details regarding foreign financial assistance to Ukraine, but said that the EU will work with the International Monetary Fund, which will make its assessment of the situation.

Ashton also said that reforms were necessary in Ukraine, that agriculture and energy sectors needed to diversify, and that the future government should be "inclusive," while the Ukrainian authorities must operate and work together.

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