PRESS RELEASE
Stop the Political Persecution in Ukraine
YEPP Council Meeting, Kiev, Ukraine, Parliament Building
SEPTEMBER 10th, 2011 UKRAINE, KIEV: The Youth of the European People's
Party (YEPP) expresses its deep concern regarding recent political developments in
Ukraine. The arrest of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and other judicial
practices can be regarded as the selective prosecution of opposition politicians. So
far, these proceedings have been very harmful to Ukraine and the country's relations
with the European Union and the democratic world.
The politically motivated trials distract attention from the much needed economic
reforms and might also endanger the ratification of milestone agreements which are
supposed to be concluded soon. YEPP is convinced that the ratification of the EU-
Ukraine association agreement and free trade agreement will be blocked by
European parliaments due to the violation of European legal standards.
On behalf of 59 youth centre-right youth organizations, YEPP calls on the Ukrainian
authorities to ensure a fair, transparent and independent legal process that is based
on European Union standards. Although YEPP does not interfere in the domestic
affairs of countries, we nevertheless raise our voice when courts are abused by
governments in order to silence political opponents.
Some weeks ago, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of Ukrainian independence. In
the past two decades, the Ukrainian people and their youth have worked hard to lead
the country into the Euro-Atlantic community. The persecution of politicians and the
continuation of undemocratic political practices will be a setback to their efforts.
The Board of YEPP
Kiev, 10 September 2011.
YEPP is the youth party of the EPP and gathers the Christian democratic and conservative youth of 38
countries in Europe. YEPP currently includes 59 centre-right youth organisations, among which there
are three Ukrainian ones: Batkivchyna Moloda, Democratic Alliance and Young Rukh.
For more information please contact THE YEPP OFFICE
Phone: 0032 498 11 21 11 Mail: yepp@epp.eu