Canada needs to nudge Ukraine toward EU - Winnipeg Free Press

Canada needs to nudge Ukraine toward EU - Winnipeg Free Press:

"

Supporters of former Ukrainian prime
minister Yulia Tymoshenko release white
 birds at a rally Aug. 5, the
second anniversary of her being held in prison.
(CP)

Europe is waiting to hear whether its largest country, Ukraine, will join the EU or Russia on a free-trade agreement. If recent exchanges between President Viktor Yanukovych and his Russian counterpart are indicative, there is a definite turn towards the EU. But there's a hitch.
The EU needs Ukraine to comply with some key conditions before the association agreement is signed. Among these demanded reforms are a fix of improper elections and, most importantly, the release of jailed ex-premier Yulia Tymoshenko.
There's been progress, but ensuring free elections is not one of them. Last fall's parliamentary elections saw serious vote tampering in five decisive ridings. Opposition party winners were replaced by the president's Party of Regions. Re-elections have yet to take place."

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