NDP Supports Democracy and Diplomacy in Ukraine

The NDP is congratulating the Ukrainian people on exercising their democratic rights in elections last weekend.

“The resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of violence and intimidation by armed groups is impressive and inspiring,” said NDP Foreign Affairs Critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre). “With the election concluded, I hope that all Ukrainians, including president-elect Petro Poroshenko, will take this opportunity to pursue diplomacy and reconciliation.”

The NDP remains disturbed by continued violence by pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine, including today’s attack on a Ukrainian helicopter near Sloviansk that killed 14 people. Four international monitors from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe have also been taken hostage by these militias.

“The Government of Canada must support inclusive democratic governance in Ukraine, and assist in achieving a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing crisis,” added Dewar. “The unacceptable aggression by pro-Russian militias in eastern Ukraine, facilitated by Russian-made weapons, is yet another reason for the Government of Canada to sign the UN Arms Trade Treaty, and help end the illegal flow of weapons to armed groups like those in eastern Ukraine.”