Viktor Yanukovych: Yulia Tymoshenko Should be Allowed to Move With no Restrictions

KYIV, Ukraine, February 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Viktor Yanukovych believes that Yulia Tymoshenko should have an opportunity to go to Brussels. "If she has a desire to go, then she shouldn't be denied the right to move with no restrictions," said Ukrainian President to the journalists.

When asked by reporters about the situation with the criminal persecution of the former prime minister of Ukraine, and now an opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko, Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych expressed his concern about the decisions made by the Prosecutor General's Office that investigates allegations of misuse of state budget funds. Viktor Yanukovych told journalists that he particularly voiced his concern during a recent meeting with an Attorney General.

"I am frustrated with the choice of the Prosecutor General with regards to his sanctions against Yulia Tymoshenko. The fight against corruption should be conducted regardless of political views and colors of the party flags. This investigation should be respectful of those people whose activities are being investigated and should impeccably follow the letter of the law," - said Victor Yanukovych.

The Ukrainian leader stressed that fighting corruption should be devoid of politics. He also mentioned that this case should not allow for the public to have an impression about the selective criminal persecution.

Victor Yanukovych said, that he had talked to some leaders of European institutions, who would be willing to see Tymoshenko in Brussels. "I believe she should have such an opportunity. If she has a desire to go, then she shouldn't be denied the right to move with no restrictions," highlighted the Ukrainian leader.

Suffice it to say, that the investigator at the Prosecutor General's Office did not grant the request of Yulia Tymoshenko to allow her to travel outside Ukraine based on sanctions against her - the recognizance not to leave.

Tymoshenko is accused of misappropriation of hundreds of millions of dollars received by Ukraine under the Kyoto Protocol, which should have been invested into environmental programs. In addition, Yulia Tymoshenko is charged with embezzlement of state funds while procuring ambulances at inflated prices.

Earlier, an international audit of Tymoshenko's government has revealed numerous financial irregularities including failure to follow proper tender procedures while making state procurements.

SOURCE Press Office of the President of Ukraine