The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, expressed concern at the conviction today of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko and urged full transparency during the appeals process.

“I have followed this case closely and previously urged the Ukrainian authorities to ensure that the defendant’s rights to a fair trial were fully respected. It is now vital that the appeals process be conducted openly and fairly and in line with the highest standards to restore the trust of the Ukrainian people and the international community,” said Ažubalis.

“Ukraine needs to show the utmost transparency in the conduct of its judicial processes. While countries have a duty to uphold the rule of law, they must do so in a way that avoids the selective application of justice.”

Ukraine is preparing to take over the OSCE Chairmanship in 2013.