Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton maakt zich zorgen over het hoger beroep in de zaak van Joelia Timosjenko (en)

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 24 December 2011 A

Statement by the Spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton on the outcome of the appeal in the case of

Yulia Tymoshenko

The spokesperson of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton issued the following statement today:

"The High Representative has noted the outcome of the appeal in the case of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, announced by the Kyiv Court of Appeals on 23 December. The High Representative wishes to express her concern that the appeals process did not adequately address failings in the original trial of Mrs Tymoshenko, a trial which did not respect international standards as regards fair, transparent and independent legal processes.

The High Representative regrets that Yulia Tymoshenko, an opposition party leader, will now be prevented from participating in next year's parliamentary elections. She has on behalf of the European Union, been stressing the need for an impartial and transparent appeals process. It is a matter of regret that this has not been achieved and that the issue of selective justice in Ukraine continues to require attention.

The High Representative further recalls the focus in her previous statements on the relationship between Ukraine's performance in respecting the Rule of Law and the development of EU-Ukraine bilateral relations, including the conclusion of the Association Agreement. In this context, the High Representative also notes the conclusion, in the joint statement of the EU-Ukraine Summit of 19 December, that respect for the Rule of Law will be of crucial importance for the speed of Ukraine's political association and economic integration with the EU."