Europe's anger rises at treatment of former Ukrainian PM

GERMAN PRESIDENT Joachim Gauck has cancelled a planned visit to Ukraine amid growing tensions between the European Union and Kiev over the treatment of imprisoned politician Yulia Tymoshenko.

Yesterday the EU demanded its ambassador be allowed visit the ailing Mrs Tymoshenko to investigate her allegation that she has been beaten by prison guards.

Amid growing calls for European leaders to boycott Ukraine’s Euro 2012 matches, President Viktor Yanukovych ordered an investigation into the allegations.

Mrs Tymoshenko began a hunger strike a week ago after being reportedly punched in the stomach and dragged from her bed. German doctors who examined her said she needs urgent medical treatment for a painful spinal condition and asked for permission to transport her to Berlin.

Kiev has refused and transferred her instead to a Ukrainian clinic last Friday. When she refused treatment, Mrs Tymoshenko was returned to prison on Sunday.

Last October the 51-year-old former prime minister began a seven-year prison term after being convicted of abuse of power for pushing through gas deal with Russia while in office.

She has denied the charges and described the conviction as part of a campaign against her and other leaders of the 2004 Orange Revolution.

European Union leaders have expressed doubts about the safety of the conviction and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said she was “deeply preoccupied” by the Ukrainian woman’s situation.

Mrs Ashton reminded Kiev it had an obligation “to examine promptly and impartially any complaints of torture or other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment”. Her office asked for permission for the “EU ambassador , accompanied by independent medical specialists, to visit Ms Tymoshenko in prison”.

Last month the EU agreed with Ukraine the details of a deal to establish greater political and economic integration.

Senior EU officials said yesterday the deal would not be signed unless Kiev becomes more “European”.

The decision by Mr Gauck to cancel his May visit to Ukraine was welcomed by all political parties in Germany.

“I find that the president has made a correct decision,” said foreign minister Guido Westerwelle. “The federal government supports a position calling for proper medical treatment for Yulia Tymoshenko.”