18.10.2011

Ukrainian parties should agree before Yanukovich’s visit to Brussels

After extensive talks in Kiev with the leaders of the political groups of the Party of Regions and the Bloc Yulia Tymoshenko in the Ukrainian parliament, the Members of the European Parliament Elmar Brok (EPP) and Hannes Swoboda (S&D) declared that through legal changes it has to be ensured that political decisions and behaviours have to be subject to a political assessment and not to an assessment by a court. Such statutory clarification that matches European and UN standards, should not only apply in the future. Since the verdict decided in First Instance against Yulia Tymoshenko is not based on internationally accepted standards, it should be repealed after a reformulation of the relevant laws. Other related lawsuits should also be ceased.

Brok and Swoboda said:

„We take note with satisfaction that the leaders of the political groups of the ruling party and opposition have agreed to start political talks in the next few days, in order to reach a common solution. We assume that first results will be presented before the next visit by President Yanukovich in Brussels. Such a visit makes only sense, if there is visible progress in Ukraine.“

Both deputies think that an early completion of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement is necessary and in the interest of both sides. However, a European perspective has to go hand in hand with a positive development for democracy and the rule of law.