Germany concerned over media freedom in Ukraine

Chancellor Angela Merkel told visiting President Viktor Yanukovych Monday that Germany sees unanswered questions regarding some democratic processes in his country, "in particular in the area of press freedom and the freedom of expression." Merkel says both sides agreed to openly and frankly discuss those issues in the future, if critical questions arise. International rights groups have expressed concern about a deterioration of media freedom in Ukraine since the Moscow-friendly Yanukovych was elected to office in February. Yanukovych did not address the issue but said it is in his greatest interest that the process of democratization in Ukraine successfully continues.