President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz has called the pardon granted by Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to former Interior Minister Yuriy Lutsenko a positive sign and a step in the right direction.

In a statement, posted on the Web site of the president of the European Parliament, Schulz thanked ex-president of the European Parliament Pat Cox and former president of Poland Aleksander Kwasniewski for their efforts in securing the pardon and release of Lutsenko.

"Presidents Cox and Kwasniewski's commitment, under my tutelage, have ensured that Yuriy Lutsenko is a free man who can enjoy his first night in years with his family. I welcome Lutsenko's pardon and release as a positive sign," the European Parliament's president said.

He also expressed an opinion that "fair and independent justice is needed in Ukraine and the release of Mr Lutsenko is a step in the right direction."

Schulz noted that Lutsenko's pardon followed an earlier release of former Defence Minister Valeriy Ivaschenko last August.

"Our efforts to improve the conditions and address the case of Yulia Tymoshenko who is still held by Ukrainian authorities continue," the European Parliament's president added.