Storyline - ALDE Leader, Guy Verhofstadt received today Arseniy Yatsenyuk, leader of Front for Change, a Ukrainian opposition party. The meeting took place just 3 days before the Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych visits Brussels to sign two crucial agreements with the European Union: The Association Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement. The two agreements are very important for the political and economic future of Ukraine. Another theme of the discussions held between the two leaders was Yulia Tymoshenko's case after being sentenced by a Ukrainian court to seven years in prison for abuse of office in relation to a gas deal she brokered with Russia in 2009. The Ukrainian parliament may consider tomorrow decriminalizing the charges against jailed former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. Supreme Rada speaker said the bill was introduced to change the criminal code for those charged with economic crimes from mandatory imprisonment to fines. Article 365 of the Criminal Code on abuse of office could be decriminalized under the proposed amendments, paving the way for the release of Tymoshenko. The European Union has said Tymoshenko's jailing has put Ukraine's hopes for associate EU membership in question. Shotlist 1. Med shot Guy Verhofstadt and head of ALDE press unit. 2. Med shot journalists in the press room. 3. Shots of the presidium and journalists. 4. SOUNDBITE Guy Verhofstadt: "We are very confident that the amendment on the Criminal Court which has been prepared and is in discussion can be adopted. It's important because that is then closing this dispute, I could say, this case. Maybe it is also a good basis to drop new charges against Mrs. Tymoshenko." 5. Med shot press room. 6. SOUNDBITE Guy Verhofstadt: "We hope that when president Yanukovych on the 20th of October is welcomed in Brussels that also both agreements can be concluded because that can give assurances for the rule of law in Ukraine. Also for an open and inclusive constitutional reform in Ukraine based on the Venice Commission advice and also important for the respect of the freedom of the media." 7. Close up speaker's hands 8. SOUNDBITE Arseniy Yatsenyuk: "We have some political complications in my country and we are confident and sure that the Parliament is to depenalise the article 365 under which the former prime minister is prosecuted and the Government and the president will try to find an exit from this political deadlock that Ukraine is in. We strongly believe that the majority and the President will stick to the Venice Commission recommendations on the new electoral law and I would even rephrase on the election system of the Ukraine and the opposition is commited to have free and fair elections in my country in 2012." 9. Speakers shaking hands after press conference and giving interviews (6 shots). 111017-ALDEADLE-BROADCAST-VIDEO

• published: 19 Oct 2011
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