Ashton: teleurstelling over veroordeling Ivashchenko (en)

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 13 April 2012 A

Statement by the Spokesperson of EU i High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on the verdict in the case of Mr. Valeriy Ivashchenko, former Acting Minister of Defence in Ukraine

The spokesperson of the 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 expresses her disappointment with yesterday's verdict against Mr. Ivashchenko. The international community including the European Union has followed his case closely. Despite repeated calls on Ukraine to uphold international standards for fair trials including that they are transparent and independent, this case, especially the hearing of 9 April, demonstrates significant shortcomings in these areas.

The High Representative has also noted with concern the verdict against Mr. Filipchuk, former Minister of Environment, who was recently sentenced to three years under charges of abuse of power.

The High Representative will continue to monitor closely the appeals process of these cases with the expectation that failings in the original trials will be addressed. The High Representative underlines 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."