19 Dec 2013 18:29

High-level EU rep welcomes pardoning Khodorkovsky

BRUSSELS. Dec 19 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin pardoning former Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky is showing respect for a living human being, European Economic and Social Commission President Henri Malosse said.

This is terrific news and prior to Christmas it is festive news, Malosse said in an interview with Interfax on Thursday. This is as important as news itself, especially if the amnesty of Pussy Riot is added, he said.

This is a very positive signal in regards to the respect for a human beings, Malosse said.

Malosse said he would not comment on the decision in any other way, whether it was tactical or not. The news itself is very positive and can be only welcomed, he said.