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

KYIV, Ukraine, February 17, 2011 - 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.

For more information, please contact Press Office of the President of Ukraine +380(0)44-255-78-44 press at apu.gov.ua