While the Canadian Immigration minister concluded his visit to Ukraine Monday, the Canadian federal government in a press release expressed its disappointment with the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of the Former Ukraine Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko in 2011.

The former prime minister was sentenced to seven years prison term in October 11, 2011 on charges of abuse of office while negotiating a gas deal with Russia's Vladimir Putin in 2009. Yulia Tymonshenko denied the charges accusing Viktor Yanukovych, the current president, of conspiring to throw her out of politics.

"Canada continues to be concerned by the manner in which the arrest, prosecution, conviction and appeal of Yulia Tymoshenko has been carried out by Ukrainian authorities," noted the Canadian government Monday.

In the press release, Canadian Minister of International Cooperation, Julian Fantino said that Canada is committed in promoting rule of law and democracy in the country.

"Freedom of expression and the presence of a strong and free media are essential in any open, democratic, transparent and accountable society," said Minister Fantino.

On behalf of the Canadian international cooperation minister, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney who was on a visit to Ukraine Monday too vowed to support the Ukraine government to strengthen rule of law and democracy.

"Canada's assistance is supporting initiatives that help improve the business-enabling environment in Ukraine," said Minister Kenney. "It is very important that businesses, especially new small and medium-sized enterprises, know that they can rely on the efficiency and fairness of the courts that deal with commercial disputes. Canada is assisting the National School of Judges, by sharing Canadian expertise in the training of new judges."

Canada has announced two new projects in a bid to enhance the rule of law and make the Ukraine government more transparent and accountable to the public.

"Canada's support will help strengthen these basic freedoms through legislative and regulatory reform, the expanded use of Ukraine's public access to information law, and the promotion of ethical and professional standards among journalists," said Julian Fantino. 

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