Brussels, Oct 26 (Interfax-Ukraine) – A draft resolution on Ukraine registered in the European Parliament calls for deepening of bilateral relations between Ukraine and the European Union and acknowleding Ukraine's desire to join in the European Union.
"The European Parliament thinks that deepening relations between Ukraine and the European Union, as well as [improving] Ukraine’s European prospects, are very important to both sides," reads the text of the draft resolution published on the Web site of the European parliament on Oct. 25.
Mentioning Article 49 of the Treaty on the EU, the European Parliament acknowledges Ukraine’s desire to join the EU if it meets all of the necessary criteria, including respect for democratic values such as the supremacy of law, human rights, etc.
The document also expresses concern about the imprisonment of former Ukrainian Premier Yulia Tymoshenko.
"The conviction of Tymoshenko is a violation of human rights and proves that the judicial system is being used for the political persecution of political leaders," reads the draft resolution.
The European Parliament earlier registered six draft resolutions on Ukraine – one from each political group.
The united version of the resolution might be amended, as the final vote on the document is scheduled for next Thursday.
Before the vote on the resolution, the members of the European People’s Party (EPP) took an uncompromising stance.
It was reported earlier that they did not oppose to a proposal by EPP President Wilfried Martens not to initial the Association Agreement until the end of 2011.
This position was announced on Oct. 22 during a summit of the EPP in Brussels.
