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March 21st, 2014

NDP calls for suspension of military sales with Russia

New Democrats are calling on the Government of Canada to suspend its arms trade with the Russian Federation following the Russian military intervention in Ukraine.

“The Russian military and President Putin have invaded and occupied sovereign Ukrainian territory in clear contravention of international law,” said NDP Foreign Affairs Critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre). “Until we see a diplomatic resolution to the current crisis, Canada must suspend our trade of military goods with Russia.”

Russian troops and paramilitary forces have seized control of numerous Ukrainian military installations in the Crimean peninsula. Canada and other G7 countries have responded with economic sanctions and travel bans against senior Russian officials, and Germany announced the suspension of its military sales earlier this week.

“Travel bans against certain Russian officials and suspending trade with Russia’s military sector are important symbolic gestures to make clear to President Putin that we stand strong and united behind the people and sovereignty of Ukraine,” said Dewar.