NDP condemns violence in Ukraine

New Democrats are appalled by the escalating violence in Ukraine, including the killing and injuring of democratic protesters.

“The use of repressive force by Ukrainian security forces is entirely unacceptable,” said NDP Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre). “Canada should lead the international community in supporting the Ukrainian people in achieving a political solution and respect for democratic freedoms.”

The NDP has joined the Ukrainian-Canadian community in calling on the Conservative government to impose targeted individual sanctions against those Ukrainian officials most responsible for the democratic and human rights abuses in Ukraine.

“Further Canadian action is needed now, including stronger targeted individual sanctions and support for political mediation and monitoring,” added Dewar. “The Prime Minister should personally call President Yanukovych to make clear to him that the repression and abuses in Ukraine are repugnant. The people of Canada are watching the violence with dismay, and the Ukrainian government must be held to account for its actions.”