There exist two factors that influence the terms of signing the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union. They include the necessity to introduce independent judicial system and close politically motivated trials, as well as organization of democratic elections to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, according to German Ambassador to Ukraine Hans-Jurgen Heimsoeth.
"We think that some trials [in Ukraine] are selective and clearly have political motivation. We hope that in many cases independent justice will prevail. At the same time, with great interest we are looking after the preparations for the elections to the Verkhovna Rada in autumn this year. These are two key points considering which the EU evaluates Ukraine’s movement towards the signing of the Association Agreement," the ambassador said during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the consulate of Germany in Simferopol on Monday.
The diplomat recalled that during the recent Ukraine-EU Summit President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy noted that there were legal problems in Ukraine, which should be settled as soon as possible before the Association Agreement is signed.
"I think it is important to sign this agreement this year, as this agreement could open a very big market for Ukraine and, in my opinion, it is the best instrument for modernization of Ukraine’s economy, policy, and statehood," Heimsoeth said.
When asked what exactly trials are problematic from the viewpoint of the EU, the German ambassador said, "During at least four trials European standards were violated. We should think how to tackle this problem. I think this is not only a legal, but also a political issue."
As reported, in late March Foreign Minister of Ukraine Kostiantyn Hryschenko said that Ukraine hoped to sign the Association Agreement with the EU within the next twelve months.
