Tymoshenko says won’t ask for pardonSeptember 30, 2011 - 09:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Ukrainian former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko said at an ongoing trial on Thursday, September 29, that she would not ask for a pardon if found guilty, RIA Novosti reported. "I will not ask for a pardon under any conditions," Tymoshenko said, adding that to do would mean recognizing the current authorities. Earlier on Thursday, Tymoshenko said that she did not expect to be acquitted. Prosecutors on Tuesday called for a seven-year jail sentence for Tymoshenko on abuse of office charges over a gas deal signed with Russia in 2009. She could face up to 10 years in jail if convicted. Prosecutors also demanded a ban on Tymoshenko from holding any positions in public office for three years after her release. She should also pay $195 million in damages caused to the country by her 2009 gas deal with Russia, prosecutors said. Tymoshenko has repeatedly denied all the charges against her, saying they are politically motivated. The United States and the European Union have urged Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to drop the case. Tymoshenko also said President Viktor Yanukovych "does his best to force the EU to sign an agreement on association and free trade zone. By keeping me behind the bars, he de-facto aborts the association agreement." 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 | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |