Liberal Party of Canada statement on recent events in Ukraine

January 17, 2014

MONTRÉAL AND REGINA— The Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic, Marc Garneau, issued the following statement today:

“I am deeply troubled by the legislation passed yesterday in Ukraine and the restrictions it places on freedom of assembly, speech, and the media. These actions are a complete rejection of fundamental democratic principles.

“The Liberal Party of Canada calls on the Canadian government to join others in conveying Canada’s dismay and dissatisfaction directly to the Ukrainian President. This worrying situation requires more than a simple press release; it requires prompt and assertive diplomatic action by Canada to inform Ukraine that there will be serious negative repercussions should this legislation come into force.”

The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Ralph Goodale, continued:

“It appears this legislation arose very quickly and was passed without any consideration for its impact on Ukrainian democracy. We urge Ukrainian legislators to reverse course immediately, and we call on the President of Ukraine to veto this legislation.”