You're reading: Influential U.S. senator condemns Tymoshenko arrest

Editor's Note: U.S. Senator Dick Lugar (R-Indiana) made the following statement today regarding the Aug. 5 arrest of ex- Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who is jailed during her trial on abuse of authority charges:

“The arrest of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko further contributes to the perception that this case has been pursued to settle old political scores. I am concerned that the proceedings are distracting the nation of Ukraine from the difficult work ahead in its efforts to join the European Union. It is time for all Ukrainians to leave past political disagreements behind them and work together to build their future in Europe.”