Kyiv Threatens 'Consequences' Over German Pressure On Ex-PM

Leonid Kozhara, deputy head of the Party of Regions

An official of Ukraine's ruling party has warned that Germany could face potential economic consequences if it continues to pressure Ukraine over jailed ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

Speaking to Germany's "Spiegel Online," Leonid Kozhara, deputy head of the Party of Regions, said German manufacturers would suffer if Berlin carried through on a threat to block an EU association agreement with Kyiv over the Tymoshenko case.

Further details about Ukraine's potential economic retaliation against Germany were not available.

Numerous European officials, including from Germany, have suggested a boycott of matches in Ukraine during this summer's Euro 2012 soccer championships.

Also, at least nine EU countries say they will skip a regional conference in Ukraine this month to protest Tymoshenko's controversial seven-year jail sentence and alleged poor treatment in prison.

With reporting by AFP