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EU-Ukraine association deal might hit ratification problems if Tymoshenko situation remains unchanged

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Sept. 5, 2011, 2:05 p.m. | Politics — by Interfax-Ukraine

The talks on the Association Agreement with Ukraine should continue, but the ratification process could run into problems if the situation with the trial of former Ukrainian Premier Yulia Tymoshenko remains unchanged.

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Brussels, September 5 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The talks on the Association Agreement with Ukraine should continue, but the ratification process could run into problems if the situation with the trial of former Ukrainian Premier Yulia Tymoshenko remains unchanged, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton told Interfax-Ukraine in Brussels on Monday. "For now the EU member states agree that negotiations on the agreement should continue," Ashton said.

"But they are extremely concerned about the Tymoshenko case, and have warned that if there is no reversal in the approach of Ukrainian authorities, the agreement will face problems in ratification. In order for the agreement to come into force after it is negotiated, in needs to be ratified by the member states and the European Parliament.

"So the message the ministers were sending from their meeting in Sopot is very clear," Ashton said, and added that this position was clearly voiced during an informal meeting of foreign ministers in Sopot (Poland) on September 3.

Ashton said the association agreement has to be ratified by all member states and the European Parliament for the document to take effect.
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Anonymous Sept. 5, 2011, 4:08 p.m.    

any agreement shoud also require thatn Ukraine implemet constitutional refrom, the removal or presidential power and authority and establishmnet of a full parliamentary system of government in line with European vluaes and European models. If this is not achdived then full membership would never be an option.

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Anonymous Sept. 5, 2011, 9:57 p.m.    

Trust me, you don't want full EU membership. And for any country or group of countries to deny membership of another country unless they totally accepted your conditions smacks of blackmail, and I for one would never go for it, if for nothing else than principle.

Regardless of how you feel about the Tymoshenko trial, the end of corruption has to come sometime. Now is as good a time as any. Think a little. What precedent is being set? Ahhh, you see the light...and the future.

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