France's Human Rights Ambassador Francois Zimeray has been refused permission to meet with former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who is held in Kachanivska colony in Kharkiv.
According to him, the refusal was explained by the fact that Tymoshenko was to be questioned on Wednesday.
Zimeray also expressed concern that the questioning took place in the absence of the ex-premier’s defense counsel.
"I was hoping to meet with her, I am disappointed and concerned about this refusal," he told reporters.
The ambassador also said he feared that he was unlikely to be allowed a meeting with former premier in the future.
Zimeray also noted that on Thursday he was scheduled to meet with two other imprisoned former senior officials – former Interior Minister Yuriy Lutsenko and former Acting Defense Minister Valeriy Ivaschenko.
In addition, he said he planned to discuss with officials the problems with human rights in other areas, including the problems with the freedom of expression, torture, etc.
"If Ukraine wants and is striving to become closer to the European Union, it is important to remember that the number one criterion is the observance of human rights," Zimeray said.
