Human Rights Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2013

Wednesday, 20 February 2013

Ceisteanna (92)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

92. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community continues to monitor the detention of former Ukrainian Prime Minister, Ms Yulia Volodymyrivna Tymoshenko; if she has access to human rights activists and visitation in accordance with international criteria; if the circumstances of her imprisonment is in accordance with due process and international human rights standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9281/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The imprisonment of Ms Yulia Tymoshenko remains a matter of deep concern to Ireland, to its EU partners and to the wider international community. I refer the Deputy to my reply to the Dáil on this matter on 16 January 2013. In common with our EU partners, we will continue to monitor closely developments in this case. On the issue of due process, the Conclusions adopted by EU Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council last December called on Ukraine to demonstrate ‘determined action and tangible progress’ in three areas of concern, including that of selective justice. On the question of access, Ms Tymoshenko has, I understand, been visited recently by her lawyer. She also met with the European Parliament’s monitoring mission to Ukraine, led by the former President of Poland, Mr Aleksander Kwaœniewski, and the former President of the European Parliament, Mr Pat Cox, earlier this month.