Tymoshenko soldiers on despite ban

KIEV, Ukraine, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- There is a "selective use" of the rule of law in Ukraine that is deemed unacceptable by the European community, the president of the European Parliament said.

European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek said Thursday in a phone conversation with Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko that Brussels was frustrated by Kiev's actions against the former prime minister.

"Right now in Ukraine there is selective use of the criminal justice system by the government," he was quoted by Tymoshenko's Web site as saying. "This applies to the case against you."

A Kiev court ruled this week that Tymoshenko couldn't leave the country to visit European leaders. She is accused of misusing federal funds during her tenure as prime minister. Critics say the accusation is part of a smear campaign meant to diminish complaints about President Viktor Yanukovych.

Buzek during his phone call with the opposition leader said the travel ban was "unacceptable in a democratic country."

Tymoshenko told Buzek that her opposition supporters were working to make sure Ukraine stays on the path of democracy.

"In Ukraine there is erosion of democracy and it is getting deeper," she said.