Ukraine moves closer to EU and Poland
PR dla Zagranicy
Veronika Joy
09.04.2013 15:30
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich's decision to pardon oppositionist Yury Lutsenko leaves high marks with EU and Polish politicians.
Ukrainian opposition supporters hold a poster with portraits of opposition leaders Yulia Tymoshenko and Yury Lutsenko during a rally in downtown Kiev, on 7 April. The protest called 'Vstavai Ukraina!' (Rise up Ukraine!) was part of an anti-government effort to draw people to the streets. The demonstration came in response to moves in Ukraine's parliament by a pro-Presidential majority, which according to the opposition has severely undermined democratic government in the country. Protesters demand the resignation of the Ukrainian Government and President Yanukovych. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych pardoned Yury Lutsenko, a key political ally of jailed former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, an executive order posted on the presidency's website said 07 April 2013. PAP/EPA/SERGEY DOLZHENKO
Yuriy Lutsenko was given a four-year sentence in February 2012 for embezzlement and abuse of office. However, many western politicians, international experts and Ukrainian oppositionists regarded him a political prisoner.
The Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine was initialled in March last year but the final agreement has never been reached due to, first and foremost, what EU has termed as Ukraine's problems with observing democratic standards.
Ukraine is scheduled to take part in the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius in November. Victor Yanukovych had already indicated he was targeting that meeting to sign the Association Agreement.
Danuta Isler reports