Pat Cox, a member of the Science|Business Innovation Board and former president of the European Parliament, and Aleksander Kwasniewski, the former president of Poland, will monitor court proceedings involving imprisoned former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko on behalf of the European Parliament.
"I am delighted that Pat Cox and Aleksander Kwasniewski have accepted my proposal,” said president of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, who added that both statesmen are personalities of high international repute.
Pat Cox is a member of the Science|Business Innovation Board, which members are some of Europe’s leading innovators, in industry, academia and policy. They meet regularly with key EU and national officials to discuss important aspects of innovation policy.
"[Mr Cox and Mr Kwasniewski] command respect for their excellent record in foreign and domestic politics. They enjoy wide support across all political forces in the European Parliament,” said Schultz.
Cox and Kwasniewski will have full access to all documents relevant to the case as well as lawyers, prosecutors and other officials involved. The European Parliament will provide comprehensive legal and logistical assistance.
The duo will meet Ukrainian Prime Minister Azarov on 11 June in Kiev, and are also expected to meet Tymoshenko's family and lawyers. Cox and Kwasniewski are scheduled to meet with Martin Schulz today (7 June) in Brussels.
“I hope their mission will be a breakthrough that will help Ukraine to address problems concerning the rule of law and the independence of judiciary,” concluded Schultz, who hopes the mission will contribute to restoring mutual confidence in EU-Ukraine relations.
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