Brussels, 22/02/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 22 February, EU foreign ministers discussed the future of relations with Ukraine in the wake of the recent presidential elections won by Viktor Yanukovich (labelled pro-Russian). The 27 member states are “unanimous” in saying that the EU wants to “strengthen and deepen” its links with the country, Catherine Ashton commented to the press after the Foreign Affairs Council. The high representative announced that she will be representing the EU during the inauguration ceremony of the new president, in Kiev on 25 February. It is important that Ukraine should become more stable politically (especially through reform of its constitution) and that it pursue its economic reform programme, Ashton stressed. Speaking for the EU, she said: “We stand ready to continue to support Ukraine on its path toward reform and stability “. (H.B./transl.jl)