Libor Rouček, S&D vice-president for enlargement and neighbourhood policy, said:

"If and once the ECHR ruling becomes final, the S&D Group expects the Ukrainian authorities to implement it without delay. As a member of the Council of Europe, Ukraine committed itself to compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights. The ECHR made it clear today that the detention and trial of Yulia Tymoshenko violated the Convention.

"The ruling also presents an opportunity for Ukrainian authorities to act more decisively to address the problem of selective justice and to prevent its recurrence. Determined action is needed to enhance the independence and transparency of Ukraine's criminal justice system.

"In this context, the S&D Group strongly supports the work of European Parliament envoys Pat Cox and Alexander Kwasniewski, and welcomes the extension of their mission until October."

S&D vice-president Véronique de Keyser added:

"We urge the Ukrainian authorities to change their approach on this case and end the former Prime Minister's detention."

Zdroj: www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu 30.4.2013