Last Tuesday, addressing a UNIAN press conference, UDAR political party leader Vitali Klitschko urged President Viktor Yanukovych to focus his attention on the current events in this country. It will be recalled that, in connection with the arrest of ex-premier Yulia Tymoshenko, Klitschko cut short his training for a bout with Poland’s Tomasz Adamek in Austria and came back to Ukraine.
“I think the release of Yulia Tymoshenko from custody could be the first step toward restoring stability in the country and the trust of the international community. If this requires standing bail for this fragile lady, I am ready to do so. This is my statement. And should the court deny me this, as it has already done with respect to many well-known people, only you, Mr. President, can do this.
“The Ukraine trials now resemble no-holds-barred fighting. What can be worse is only a civil war. The entire world has duly appraised what is going on in Ukraine, and this poses a threat to the course towards European integration as a top priority in your policies, Mr. President. We may end up on the threshold of international isolation, and this may put in jeopardy not only the European Union Association Agreement but also the Euro-2012 nationwide project. This process will dash the last hopes for the so much needed economic and political transformations in this country.
“It is a step to a blind alley. The only way out can be your personal intervention and responsible decision, Mr. President.
“A dialogue between the government and the opposition is needed for the development of this country. The lack of dialogue is a direct way to dictatorship. This must not be allowed. We must use all the available mechanisms, including a nationwide roundtable debate and international mediation. You should reset this country on the European path of development today. It may be too late tomorrow.”
