Brussels, 13/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - During a plenary session debate on Wednesday 13 October, MEPs condemned the sentence of 7 years' imprisonment against the former prime minister of Ukraine, Yulia Tymoshenko. They did not, however, call for negotiations on the association agreement to be halted.
Jacek Saryusz Wolski (EPP) asked for Yulia Tymoshenko to be acquitted, released and for her civil rights to be restored to her immediately. Hannes Swoboda (S&D) said that if Ukraine wants to make its way to Europe, then it must meet certain conditions, i.e. it must respect rule of law and apply European principles. Marek Henryk Migalski, speaking on behalf of the ECR, took up saying that a clear message must be found to say it is unacceptable for the opposition to be treated in such a way, and that, if Ukraine foresees European integration, then such conduct must cease. Integration, he said, is more important than the incompetence of certain politicians or bias on the part of certain judges.
MEPs also stressed that Tymoshenko's sentencing will have consequences on the association agreement. Only Andreas Mölzer, speaking on behalf of the Non-Attached Group, questioned the agreement underlining that the EU should reflect twice before continuing talks or opting for a freeze in its work.
MEPs are, on the whole, in favour of continuing the negotiations, albeit being prepared to block the signature of that agreement at the end of the day. Jerzy Buzek, European Parliament President, said that, if the verdict is not cancelled, then that will have consequences on implementation of the agreement. Nonetheless, he went on, talks should be completed and the document initialled, as planned, in December. Then, its signature and ratification could be slowed down if there is no change. Rebecca Harms, the co-chair of the Greens/EFA Group, said the agreement may contribute to Ukraine's economic and social stability, and improve the lives of its inhabitants. Hans Van Baalen (ALDE) explained that a good legal process is essential for the agreement.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton said, for her part, that Yulia Tymoshenko has called for the technical work on the agreement to be continued. She felt that they should not distance themselves from technical negotiations but continue with the aim of having a document before them on the table that clearly indicates to both sides that it is possible - and also what could be lost if the agreement were not signed. (CG/transl..jl)