NDP statement on the situation in Ukraine

New Democrat Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar has issued the following statement on the situation in Ukraine.

“New Democrats are deeply concerned by the situation in Ukraine. We are particularly concerned by the escalation of tensions in Crimea and condemn the Russian Federation’s unacceptable and provocative military intervention in the region.

Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully respected. The Russian Federation’s current military intervention is in violation of Russia’s obligations under international law and its bilateral agreements with Ukraine.

The NDP is monitoring this situation at the highest level. The Leader of the Official Opposition has discussed the issue with the Prime Minister over the weekend.

The situation requires active and ongoing diplomatic engagement without excluding the possibility of additional political or economic responses against those responsible for violations of international law. Canada must continue to pursue opportunities for diplomatic resolution to this crisis in cooperation with our international partners through multilateral fora including the United Nations, the G7 and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

We continue to stand with the people of Ukraine in their aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous, and independent democracy.”