CANADA'S PARLIAMENT UNANIMOUSLY CONDEMNS THE USE OF FORCE IN KYIV'S INDEPENDENCE SQUARE
DECEMBER 11, 2013-Ottawa, Canada- Yesterday the House of Commons concluded at 10:15 p.m. a rare four hour emergency debate on the situation inUkrainewhere all political parties unanimously condemned the use of force by authorities attempting to dismantle the Euromaidan in Kyiv'sIndependence Square.
"In a session attended by Canada's Foreign Minister, the Honourable John Baird, the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the Honourable Peter Van Loan, the Minister of Employment and Social Development, the Honourable Jason Kenney, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Foreign Minister, David Anderson, the Chair of the Canada Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, Ted Opitz, Official Opposition Foreign Affairs Critic Paul Dewar, senior opposition MP Peggy Nash, and former Finance Minister Ralph Goodale and many dozens of other individual members of Parliament, the message from Canada was clear," stated UCC President Paul Grod. "Canadacondemns the violence by authorities on peaceful protesters, and will work with her allies to bring to justice those responsible for violating the human rights of Ukrainian citizens."
"The House of Commons unanimously expressed its concerns regarding the ongoing erosion of democracy inUkraine, while reaffirming its commitment toUkraine's Euro-Atlantic integration and defending the people ofUkrainein their struggle for human rights and dignity," stated UCC National President Paul Grod.
"I want to thank all the Members of Parliament who took part in this important debate from all political parties for showing their deep concern over the erosion of fundamental freedoms such as freedom of assembly and the rule of law inUkraine," stated UCC Executive Director Taras Zalusky. "Canada's House of Commons in one voice expressed support for continued engagement ofUkraineand its people, and its continued democratic development."
To read an Urgent Message from UCC President Paul Grod which was read at Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kyiv on December 10, 2013, please click here.
In the statements by the participating Members of Parliament, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the Ukrainian World Congress and UCC President Paul Grod were referenced extensively.
The UCC issued the following 9 point plan prior to last night's debate, which was echoed and endorsed by many of the participating MPs:
ProposedUkraineStrategy for the Government ofCanada
1. Engagement - Any actions byCanadamust not result in the isolation ofUkraine. Otherwise,Ukrainewill slip back intoRussia's sphere of influence thereby losing its sovereignty. The strategy should be two-pronged: i) government to government pressure; and ii) support for civil society. Canadahas a rightful place to advocate forUkraineon the international stage.
2. Call uponUkraine's President to respect the freedom of its citizens to peaceful assembly, and to call uponUkraine's authorities to respect this right and apply restraint in interaction with the peaceful protesters.
3. Demand that the governing authorities ofUkrainerespect human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Ukrainians, and specifically to call upon them to:
(a) release from jail all peaceful protestors of EuroMaidans;
(b) refrain from the use of force to break up peaceful demonstrations;
(c) end any undue pressure on civil society, students and journalists in relation to EuroMaidans' activities; and
(d) punish all those responsible for gross human rights violations related to peaceful protests at EuroMaidans. Failing which,Canadashould, together with itsU.S.and European allies, impose personal sanctions on those responsible for these violations akin to those provided in the Magnitsky legislation.
4. Reiterate the firm commitment of Canada to Ukraine's Euro-integration and the signing of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement on the basis of the clear, united and undeniable call of the people of Ukraine, as manifested by EuroMaidans throughout Ukraine; and
5. Develop a sound policy and plan to addressRussia's violations of its international commitments, particularly the 1994 Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances in connection withUkraine's accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, with whichRussiacommitted to refrain from economic pressure onUkraine.
6. In concert withU.S.and European authorities, play a leadership role in the G8, the G20, the International Monetary Fund and other international fora to explore all of the ways in which the international community can combat money laundering in and throughUkraine. Explore with its international partners the means by which the international travel and illicit "business" activities of corrupt business people, government officials and their families could be restricted in accordance with applicable Canadian law.
7. In coordination with her European allies,Canadashould offer loans or loan guarantees to supportUkrainein its transition to the EU.
8. Restart negotiations for a Canada Ukraine Free Trade Agreement to helpUkrainediversify its economic dependence onRussia.
9. Reduce or remove visa restrictions on Ukrainian citizens toCanadain an effort to impart upon them Canadian values.
To view the full transcript of the debate, please click here:
House of Commons Emergency Debate onUkraine
The UCC's Briefing note on Situation inUkrainecan be viewed by clicking on the link below:
UCC Briefing Note on Situation inUkraine
Additional reports could be viewed through these links:
