BRUSSELS — The European Union has expressed concern over the health of detained former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and asked Kiev to allow EU diplomats to visit her in jail.
Tymoshenko, 50, told the court trying her for abuse of office late last week that she was unwell and wanted to be examined by a doctor.
Her arrest has been condemned by the United States and the EU, both important backers of Ukraine's government. The EU is in talks with Kiev on strengthening bilateral ties that could eventually lead to trade breaks.
A spokesman for the EU's foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, said Friday that the bloc wanted Kiev to "ensure timely and independent medical examination and professional care" for Tymoshenko. He said the EU's top diplomat in Kiev had also requested a visit.
"We are looking for immediate and positive consideration of this request by the Ukrainian authorities," spokesman Michael Mann told a regular briefing in Brussels.
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