US welcomes Tymoshenko`s release, monitoring situation

Washington: The US today welcomed the release of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko from a prison hospital but said it was closely monitoring developments in the Central Asian country.

"We continue to urge an end to violence by all sides and a focus on peaceful, democratic dialogue, working pursuant to Ukraine`s constitution and through its institutions of government," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said. "The US is closely monitoring developments in Ukraine." The US has consistently advocated a de-escalation of violence, constitutional change, a coalition government, and early elections, and today?s developments could move closer to that goal, he said in a statement. "The unshakeable principle guiding events must be that the people of Ukraine determine their own future. We welcome constructive work in the Rada and continue to urge the prompt formation of a broad, technocratic government of national unity," he said. "We welcome former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko`s release from a prison hospital today, and we wish her a speedy recovery as she seeks the appropriate medical treatment that she has long needed and sought," Carney said. Urging an end to violence by all sides and a focus on peaceful, democratic dialogue, working pursuant to Ukraine`s constitution and through its institutions of government, Carney said: "Going forward, we will work with our allies, with Russia, and with appropriate European and international organisations to support a strong, prosperous, unified, and democratic Ukraine." "The Ukrainian people should know that the United States deeply values our long-standing ties with Ukraine and will support them as they pursue a path of democracy and economic development." Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych today refused to step down and denounced a "coup" by protesters. Yanukovych`s regime appeared close to collapse as protesters took control of his offices and lawmakers voted to free former premier Tymoshenko immediately.