The European Union still thinks that the imprisoned opposition leaders, Yulia Tymoshenko and Yuriy Lutsenko, should participate in the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Ukraine, First Deputy Chairman of the Batkivschyna Party Oleksandr Turchynov has said.
"The opinion of Europe remains unchanged. I think one should not place words or commentaries out of context. The position of the European countries is quite clear and unambiguous, and this position does not require commentaries. You should just read the resolution of the European Parliament and the resolution of PACE to find clear, unambiguous formulations, which state that political repression and the abolition of democracy are taking place in Ukraine, and the demands for the freedom of political prisoners are absolutely clear. Moreover, the resolution of the European Parliament demands not just their release, but also to admit them to political activities, including the parliamentary elections. These documents don’t require commentaries, they should be read and implemented," Turchynov said in an interview with Ukrainian television’s Channel 5 on April 7.
As reported, on April 4 Head of the European Union’s Delegation to Ukraine Jose Manuel Pinto Teixeira stated that the EU never put forward any official demand that the jailed former prime minister and interior minister of Ukraine, Yulia Tymoshenko and Yuriy Lutsenko, take part in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
At the same time, he noted that European politicians have repeatedly expressed concern over the situation with the jailed opposition leaders in Ukraine.
The European diplomat said Brussels will scrutinize the process of the parliamentary elections in Ukraine.
On the same day the Regions Party noted that this statement of Teixeira should stop opposition speculation on the issue.
"Europe raises the issue of holding democratic and transparent elections in Ukraine. Only those who have such a right, according to the election legislation and meet the requirements of the legislation regarding the age, education, time of residence in Ukraine, and the absence of criminal convictions, can participate in them. This is a Ukrainian domestic affair," Regions Party MP Volodymyr Oliynyk said.
