Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych could call early elections if he cannot strike a deal with the opposition, a top lawmaker said on Feb. 4 ahead of a parliament session where protest leaders will press for concessions.

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton returns to Ukraine on Tuesday in a fresh bid to help bring an end to the country’s crisis, her office said. Ashton is expected to begin talks with the opposition and authorities after arrival and continue meetings

The opening of EU chapters 23 and 24 would benefit Turkey the most in the interests of keeping the country on track in its EU bid, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said yesterday following talks with his Turkish