Emergency Debate on Ukraine in House of Commons

Ottawa, October 17, 2011, (UCC) - The Ukrainian Canadian Congress welcomed the resolution adopted by the House of Commons to hold an emergency debate on the situation in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Canadian community is deeply disturbed by the verdict rendered in the trial of former Prime Minister of Ukraine, Mrs. Yulia Tymoshenko.

“We encourage parliamentarians to censure anti-democratic and authoritarian tactics used by the Government of Ukraine.  However, we caution against any moves that would isolate Ukraine from Euro-Atlantic integration and push them back into Russia’s sphere of influence,” stated UCC President Paul Grod. 

The motion, introduced by the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Minister Peter Van Loan reads as follows:

“That a take-note debate on the subject of concerns regarding the ongoing erosion of democracy in Ukraine, including most recently the politically motivated and arbitrary prosecution and conviction of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko by Ukrainian authorities take place, pursuant to Standing Order 53.1, on Tuesday, October 18, 2011.”

On October 20, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons held a hearing on the situation in Ukraine where the Ukrainian Canadian Congress appeared as a witness.

“The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has called upon the Government of Canada to formally and publicly express its concern and dismay as to the process and verdict in this case. Canada has a responsibility to urge Ukrainian authorities to ensure a fair, transparent and impartial process in any appeal in the case of Mrs. Tymoshenko and in the other trials related to members of the former government… ” stated Grod.