EU ministers mull Euro 2012 boycott of Ukraine

BRUSSELS (AP) -- EU foreign ministers are considering a possible boycott of this year's European football championship matches in Ukraine to protest the alleged abuse of jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko.

Officials said no formal decision was expected at a ministerial meeting on Monday. Instead, ministers would agree to a coordinated approach to a boycott, said an official who asked not to be named in line with standing rules.

When Tymoshenko launched a hunger strike last month saying she was beaten by prison officials, several EU leaders vowed to shun Ukraine in protest during Euro 2012, which is being organized jointly by Ukraine and Poland.

"We've been very consistent in sending messages to Ukraine about the importance of justice being done and seen to be done," EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said.