Ukraine's leadership should ensure Tymoshenko's participation in political process, according to European Parliament's draft resolution
A European Parliament draft resolution has urged Ukraine to ensure that ex-premier Yulia Tymoshenko and other opposition leaders are allowed to participate fully in the political process, including in the coming parliamentary elections.
This is stated in a motion for a European Parliament resolution containing the parliament's recommendations to the Council, the Commission and the (European External Action Service) EEAS on the negotiations on the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement.
The resolution will be put on vote at the European Parliament's session on Thursday.
"[The parliament voted] to urge the president and the government of Ukraine to bring the political, legal and administrative situation in the country into line with what was agreed in the Association Agenda, and to promote good governance and respect for the rule of law as fundamental principles in the context of relations between the EU and Ukraine; [and] to ensure that Yulia Tymoshenko and other opposition leaders are allowed to exercise their right to participate fully in the political process, both as of now and in the forthcoming elections in Ukraine," the document reads.
The European Parliament also expressed concerns about media freedom, the freedom of civil society, the conduct of elections and the rule of law in Ukraine.
"The current political situation in Ukraine, especially in the field of civil liberties and the rule of law, is at odds with the spirit of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement under negotiation," the draft resolution reads.
"The EU strongly advocates for a stable and democratic Ukraine that respects the principles of a social and inclusive market economy, the rule of law (including an independent judiciary), human rights and the protection of minorities," the document reads.
