"I asked Prime Minister Azarov to accept that a personality of high international repute be sent on behalf of the European Parliament to to observe the second trial of Ms Tymoshenko with full access to judges, lawyers and documents."

"Our agreement is a real step forward in building mutual trust between the European Union and Ukraine."

Brussels, 16 May 2012

Schulz, Azarov reach agreement on monitoring Tymoshenko case

European Parliament (EP) President Martin Schulz and visiting Ukrainian Prime Minister Azarov agreed on Wednesday 16 May, that the EP will send medical experts to Ukraine to assess the health condition of imprisoned former Prime Minister and help in her treatment.

Schulz and Azarov also agreed that the EP would send an internationally well-respected person to monitor the second trial of Yulia Tymoshenko.

Following the meeting with Prime Minister Azarov in the European Parliament, EP President Martin Schulz stated:

"After an intensive, honest and constructive exchange, we came to common conclusions. Prime Minister Azarov answered positively to my two proposals.

I asked the Ukrainian government to accept that the European Parliament send a group of doctors […] to Ukraine to ensure a full and independent medical treatment of Ms Tymoshenko. This should be done with the personal agreement of Ms Tymoshenko and in consultation with the Ukrainian side.

Secondly, I asked Prime Minister Azarov to accept that a personality of high international repute be sent on behalf of the European Parliament to Ukraine to observe the second trial of Ms Tymoshenko with full access to judges, lawyers and documents.

Our agreement is a real step forward in building mutual trust between the European Union and Ukraine." For further information: Armin Machmer Spokesperson Mobile: +32 479 97 11 98

Marcin Grajewski Press Officer Mobile: +32 498 98 15 50

Europarl President Press - [email protected]