Statement by MP

James Bezan on

Situation in Ukraine

December 13^th, 2013 – Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake, James Bezan, made the following statement regarding the situation in Ukraine:

“The Canadian Government continues to strongly condemn the continuous use of violence by Ukrainian authorities against peaceful protestors in Independence Square. In recent days, riot police have been called in to tear down tents of protestors.  I stand with the people of Ukraine in their determination to maintain their right to peacefully assemble, in their pursuit of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.   

“I worry that the Ukraine Government has been bullied from their imperialistic neighbors to the north, and that this bullying has pushed them farther away from the negotiation table with the European Union.  I ask the Ukrainian Government to strongly consider the will of the people and move Ukraine into a stronger European relationship. 

“I am proud of the principled stance adopted by our government on this troubling situation and articulated by Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird.  We will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine during this troubling and difficult time. May their aspirations be realized.”

Video of MP Bezan speaking in the Take Note Debate on Ukraine in the House of Commons on December 10^th, 2013: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31Y69_6xnzk&feature=c4-overview&list=UU-J1uUzfT3BRS7SUdAJgciQ