KIEV, Nov 7: Deputies in Ukraine’s parliament squabbled on Thursday about the release of jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko, but there were no signs of a breakthrough on an issue that is threatening landmark agreements with the European Union.

The accords on association and free trade, due to be signed at an EU-Ukraine summit on Nov 28 in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, offer the former Soviet republic the chance of an historic shift westwards away from Russia.

But signature hinges on freedom for ex-prime minister Tymoshenko, a fierce opponent of President Viktor Yanukovich.

She was jailed in 2011 for seven years for abuse of office after a trial which the EU says was political.

Mr Yanukovich, who only narrowly defeated her in a run-off vote in February 2010, has refused to pardon her, apparently fearing she could stage a comeback and spoil his chances of re-election in 2015.

But, under pressure from the 28-nation EU bloc, he has said he will sign any draft law from parliament that would allow his adversary to go to Germany for medical treatment for severe back problems.

Pro-Yanukovich deputies, who dominate in parliament, have been haggling with the opposition over the wording of a law that would allow Ms Tymoshenko to leave for Germany – the crux being whether she goes as a free person or as a convicted criminal.

Her parliamentary supporters hung a white banner across the speaker’s rostrum, declaring “Freedom for Yulia!”, and more than 2,000 people demonstrated outside calling for her release.

The EU has warned the Yanukovich leadership that, with only three weeks left to the Vilnius summit, time is running out.

The wrangle over Ms Tymoshenko’s release takes place against a background of increasing tension between the ex-Soviet republic and Russia over Ukraine’s westward course.

The Kremlin, which has failed to persuade Kiev to join a Russia-led customs union instead, has warned Ukraine of possible trade action in retaliation and is pressing for urgent payment of an $882 million bill for natural gas. —Reuters