Brussels, 04/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - Despite the truce over Christmas, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle and European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek have responded to the most recent events on the international scene.
CHINA. The high representative, “deeply concerned” by the news of the Chinese human rights lawyer, Gao Zhisheng, receiving another three-year prison sentence called on 22 December for his immediate release and information regarding his state of health and location, explained a spokesman.
UKRAINE. On 24 December, the high representative expressed her concern about the appeals process involving the former Ukrainian Prime Minister, Yulia Timoshenko. Ashton said that she did not think that the “shortcomings” in the original trial of Ms Timoshenko had been sufficiently taken into account when confirming the seven-year prison sentence. Ashton regretted that the leader of the opposition party had been prevented from participating in the general elections next year and underlined the EU's concerns about respect for the rule of law. On the previous day, Jerzy Buzek expressed his disappointment, adding that “the selective application of the primacy of law in the Timoshenko case leaves little doubt that it is politically motivated” of the proceedings.
ASHRAF. On 26 December, the high representative welcomed the memorandum of understanding between the Iraqi government and the United Nations, which defines the rules applicable to the transfer of residents from the Ashraf camp to a transit point. She also said that she hoped that the residents of the camp would respect the terms of the memorandum and encouraged them to fully cooperate in its implementation.
CROATIA. On 27 December, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso congratulated the new Croatian Prime Minister, Zoran Milanoviæ, on his appointment. He pointed out to him that he was assuming responsibility for his country, “at a difficult moment for economic stability and growth”. He also pointed out that the preparations for accession are another challenge Milanoviæ will face in his term of office.
TUNISIA. On 27 December, the high representative and the commissioner for enlargement welcomed the nomination of the new Tunisian government headed by Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali. They said that this marked, “a new important stage in the transition of the country towards democracy”, a year after the beginning of the Arab Spring. They also pointed out that the EU wanted to continue to help the country.
BOSNIA. On 29 December, the high representative, the commissioner for enlargement and the president of the European Parliament welcomed the political agreements between Bosnian leaders on the formation of a state government. Encouraged by this development, Ashton and Füle are eagerly awaiting new concrete measures that will put Bosnia and Herzegovina firmly on track for joining the EU. Jerzy Buzek underlined that the formation of a government would provide further impetus in relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU. (CG/transl.fl)