KIEV, Oct. 4 – Jailed former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko officially accepted a proposal from two European politicians for medical treatment in Germany, her lawyer Serhiy Vlasenko said Friday.

This is Tymoshenko’s first reaction to the idea, which has been discussed between Ukrainian and European leaders for several months.

The development may lead to Tymoshenko’s eventual release, potentially easing for Ukraine the task of signing free trade and political association agreements with the European Union in November.

Pat Cox and Alexander Kwasniewski, the EU’s point men on Ukraine, suggested the idea in letters to President Viktor Yanukovych and Tymoshenko.

“Pat Cox and Alexander Kwasniewski gave me a formal proposal to leave for treatment in Germany,” Tymoshenko wrote in a statement read by Vlasenko. “I openly accept this offer.”

“And it’s not because I do not trust Ukrainian doctors. I heartily thank the doctors, rehabilitation, nurses and all those who help me in the clinic,” Tymoshenko wrote. “I do not trust the regime that is willing and able to do everything in order to get rid of me.”

Yanukovych, who was earlier asked about the possibility of Tymoshenko’s treatment in Germany, said repeatedly that Tymoshenko had to take an unspecified action.

Further strengthening speculation about Tymoshenko’s possible release soon, Renat Kuzmin, the deputy prosecutor general who was in charge of multiple investigations against her, was fired from the post. He was later appointed as a deputy secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, an appointment that is viewed by many as a political exile.

Parliamentary Speaker Volodymyr Rybak said last month that Ukraine will resolve the legal issue of releasing Tymoshenko for treatment in Germany no later than October, said.

Yanukovych said last month that Tymoshenko could get medical treatment abroad if laws are changed to make the move legal.

The fate of Tymoshenko may be the biggest obstacle to signing the agreements between Ukraine and the European Union in November.

Even after her release for the treatment, Tymoshenko will continue political battle.

"Yulia will be hiding abroad, she will take an active part in politics,” Vlasenko said. “There are no doubts about it." (tl/ez)