Tymoshenko rules out asking for pardon

Ukrainian former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko said at an ongoing trial on Thursday that she would not ask for a pardon if found guilty. "I will not ask for a pardon under any conditions," Tymoshenko said, adding that to do would mean recognizing the current authorities. Earlier on Thursday, Tymoshenko said that she did not expect to be acquitted. Prosecutors on Tuesday called for a seven-year jail sentence for Tymoshenko on abuse of office charges over a gas deal signed with Russia in 2009. She could face up to 10 years in jail if convicted. Prosecutors also had demanded a ban on Tymoshenko from holding any positions in public office for three years after her release. She should also pay $195 million in damages caused to the country by her 2009 gas deal with Russia, prosecutors said. Tymoshenko has repeatedly denied all the charges against her, saying they are politically motivated. The United States and the European Union have urged President Viktor Yanukovych to drop the case. Tymoshenko also said Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych "does his best to force the EU to sign an agreement on association and free trade zone. By keeping me behind the bars, he de-facto aborts the association agreement."