Czech President cancels visit to Ukraine over jailed TymoshenkoApril 30, 2012 - 13:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Czech President Vaclav Klaus has cancelled a visit to Ukraine next month over the imprisonment of Ukraine's former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, a spokesman said on Monday, April 30. Klaus has joined German President Joachim Gauck who has decided to cancel participation at a summit of central European presidents in the Black Sea resort of Yalta on May 11-12. "There are several reasons (for Klaus's absence) but this is the main one," the president's spokesman Radim Ochvat said, Reuters reported. The Czech Republic has been critical of the treatment of Tymoshenko, the main political rival of President Viktor Yanukovich, who is serving a seven-year jail term after her conviction on abuse-of-office charges seen by the European Union as politically motivated. Tymoshenko has been suffering from back pain. Germany has offered to arrange for her treatment but it is not clear if the government would let her go and her family says she will not leave Ukraine. Tymoshenko, 51, has been on hunger strike since last Friday when she said she was assaulted by guards. Prison authorities have said she may be force-fed. The Czech Republic has granted political asylum to Tymoshenko's husband Oleksander. Ukraine faces more potential boycotts by European politicians during the Euro 2012 soccer tournament it will co-host with Poland in June. Germany's Der Spiegel magazine reported on Sunday that Chancellor Angela Merkel may shun the tournament if Tymoshenko remains in jail. Top stories 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |