The foreign ministers of the EU member states have reaffirmed their readiness to sign an Association Agreement with Ukraine after the country meets the necessary conditions, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has said.

"We believe that the agreement provides the best way to address Ukraine's short term economic challenges. Its signature too would send a powerful signal of confidence to international markets and to financial institutions," she said at a press conference after a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday.

Ashton said that the agreement also serves as a blueprint for political and economic reforms and therefore long-term development perspectives.

"We also reaffirmed the need to find a negotiated solution to the current political stalemate and a dialogue between the different stakeholders. As I said while I was there, we stand ready to be engaged and to assist. Ministers welcomed the public support for the political association and economic integration with the European Union by so many across Ukraine, who demonstrated yet again this weekend," she said.

Ashton noted that it was stated at the meeting that citizens have the right of expression and of assembly and that everyone should refrain from using any violence.

She reiterated that the EU wants to see an adequate investigation into the recent acts of violence against peaceful protesters and the release of the remaining detained demonstrators.

"The solution to this political crisis is an indispensable step to tackle the economic difficulties of the country," Ashton said.