You're reading: US official: Tymoshenko’s conviction to complicate relation between Kyiv, Washington

Moscow, Oct. 13 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Michael Posner, U.S. assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor, has said that the Unites States is concerned over the verdict of the court on Ukrainian ex-premier Yulia Tymoshenko's case.

"This case will complicate our relations," Posner told the Ekho Moskvy (Echo of Moscow) radio on Wednesday.

"If the new government punishes the former leader for the contracts and agreements that the new government does not like, it cannot but arouse our deep concern," he added.

The diplomat said that the U.S. viewed Tymoshenko’s trial as a case of selective use of justice based on political judgments.

Even when the politicians lose the election, their decisions must be respected, Posner said adding that the politicians should not be punished for their actions and for their opinions.