KIEV: The daughter of Ukraine’s jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko sees two years of pain and “psychological torture” ending for her mother with her departure to Germany for medical treatment by November 19 under a deal brokered by European envoys.
The release of Tymoshenko, jailed for seven years in 2011 after what the West said was a political trial, is expected to clear the way for the ex-Soviet republic to sign landmark agreements with the European Union at the end of November.
Yevgenia, Tymoshenko’s 33-year-old English-educated daughter, said that her mother was ready to compromise now so as not to jeopardise the signing in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on November 28.
“Her decision was mainly based on the fact that Ukraine is living through this historical time when Ukraine should decide, and must take the step of joining the European family. It was to make sure that the signing is not blocked or stalled because of her decision to stay,” she said.
“It was very hard for her to make this decision (to leave) but she has now made the decision and now we are waiting for the decision from the president,” Yevgenia said.
The likely option is for Tymoshenko to be freed to go to Germany for treatment at Berlin’s Charite clinic, she said.
Her departure to Germany, whenever it comes, will mark the end of a battle of wills between President Viktor Yanukovich and Tymoshenko, his arch rival whom he only narrowly defeated in a run-off for the presidency in February 2010.
Reuters
