Ukraine opposition rallies for Tymoshenko

Ukrainian opposition parties on Saturday held a rally in central Kiev in support of jailed former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

Opponents of President Viktor Yanukovich, who enjoys close ties with Moscow, gathered to unveil a plan of action for October’s parliamentary election.

The vote is being seen as a litmus test for Ukraine’s democracy after criticism by the West that Tymoshenko’s jailing over a gas deal she signed while in office was politically motivated.

The leader of the Front for Change said they wanted to fight for a new country, for a new type of political elite with more responsibility and accountability in government.

“We need to tackle corruption and we believe that Ukraine is to be a big part of Europe. We should ratify and sign association and free trade agreements with the EU,” said Arseniy Yatseniuk.

Our correspondent reports that the opposition has founded this coalition on common principes. they expect it to last well beyond the forthcoming elections.

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