United Nations, Oct 12 (IANS/RIA Novosti): UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has expressed his concern over conviction of former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, his spokesperson said.

Kiev's Pechyorsky District Court sentenced Tymoshenko Tuesday to seven years in prison for abuse of office over her signing of a gas deal with Russia in 2009.

"The secretary-general has noted the concerns voiced widely regarding the judicial proceedings involving the former Ukrainian prime minister and other officials," said Vannina Maestracci, associate spokesperson for the secretary-general.

"And the secretary-general expects the judicial proceedings, currently still ongoing, to be conducted in a fair and impartial manner and to follow due process," she added.

Tymoshenko's conviction raised international concerns, including from Russia and the US and, according to experts, might ruin Ukraine's hopes for associate EU membership.