European Parliament President Martin Schulz says the EP’s monitoring mission to Ukraine will continue its efforts to find a solution to the case of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, according to the official web site of Yulia Tymoshenko.

"Our efforts to improve the conditions and address the case of Yulia Tymoshenko who is still held by Ukrainian authorities continue," Martin Schulz said, commenting on the pardon and release from prison of former Interior Minister Yuriy Lutsenko.

The EP president thanked former EP President Pat Cox and former Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski for their efforts in securing the pardon and release of Yuriy Lutsenko. "Presidents Cox and Kwasniewski's commitment, under my tutelage, have ensured that Yuriy Lutsenko is a free man who can enjoy his first night in years with his family. I welcome Yuriy Lutsenko's pardon and release as a positive sign," he added.

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"After fourteen intensive missions to Ukraine, Presidents Cox and Kwasniewski will report back on 18 April 2013 to the Conference of Presidents in Strasbourg on the progress achieved," the EP announced.

Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland also welcomed the decision to pardon and release Yuri Lutsenko. "I trust that Ukraine will also follow the judgment of the Court in the case of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. The Council of Europe will continue its co-operation with the Ukrainian authorities, providing assistance and expertise in the on-going reforms of the judiciary," he said in a statement released by the Council of Europe.