Summary Says he is unwilling to pardon jailed former premier Yulia Tymoshenko.
KIEV (AP) - Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has signaled he is unwilling to pardon jailed former premier Yulia Tymoshenko, a key condition for the signing of a landmark agreement with the European Union next month.
Speaking after a meeting with his Czech counterpart on Monday, Yanukovych skirted a direct question on whether he would pardon Tymoshenko, as has been recommended by two top EU envoys. The West condemns the jailing of Tymoshenko, Yanukovych s fierce opponent, as politically motivated and is pressing for her release.
Instead, Yanukovych suggested that a special law should be passed allowing Tymoshenko to be sent to Germany for medical treatment. Tymoshenko s allies oppose this because it would likely prevent her from returning to Ukraine and participating in politics, as she could be returned to prison.
