Ukraine calls off Central European summit over TymoshenkoMay 8, 2012 - 16:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Ukraine had to call off a Central European summit in Yalta after some European leaders refused to attend the event over alleged ill-treatment of jailed West-leaning ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, a diplomatic spokesman said, RIA Novosti reported. “Orange revolution” princess, Tymoshenko, 51, is serving a seven-year sentence for abuse of office following a trial that Western governments called politically motivated. “Ukraine decided to postpone the summit and not to hold it on May 11-12 in Yalta,” said Oleksandr Dykusarov, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry. “The event will be held at a later time that will be determined through diplomatic channels." Leaders of Germany, Estonia, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Austria and Italy said they would shun the summit in the Ukrainian Black Sea resort in protest against the way the authorities handled the situation around the former premier who is suffering from severe back pain and has been diagnosed with a herniated spinal disc. Last week, photos were circulated in the media showing Tymoshenko with bruises on her body, which she claims were inflicted by prison guards as they were forcibly transferring her to a hospital. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said European leaders refused to attend the summit before the scandal erupted around Tymoshenko’s alleged assault and battery in prison. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Aliyev: No peace treaty unless Armenia changes constitution Azerbaijan will not sign a peace treaty with Armenia unless the latter changes its constitution, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said. Seven injured in massive gas station explosion in Armenia The Investigative Committee of Armenia has unveiled details about a massive explosion at a gas station on the Yerevan-Sevan highway. Pashinyan’s spokesperson denies intention to visit Baku for COP29 Pashinyan’s agenda doesn’t include a trip to Baku for the COP29 conference, his press secretary Nazeli Baghdasaryan has said. Lithuania sending €100,000 to help Armenia fight floods consequences Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. |