James Bezan, Member for Selkirk—Interlake (CPC): Mr. Speaker, I stand in solidarity with the millions of Ukrainians who have spoken out courageously in support of a free and democratic Ukraine. I condemn president Yanukovych and his regime's heavy handed authoritarian actions and intimidation of peaceful protesters. I was deeply saddened by the news of the tragic deaths of innocent activists last week. All officials who are complicit in this violence must be held responsible. I'm calling on the Ukrainian government to cease and desist its oppression of the free citizens of Ukraine, the silencing of critics and the intimidation of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Ukraine's Parliament must repeal their undemocratic and draconian martial law. A true democracy cannot function without dialogue, compromise, the right to peaceful dissent and a legislature that enjoys the people's trust. Ukraine is at a crossroads, democracy, liberty and independence on one hand or Soviet imperialistic totalitarianism on the other. If we do nothing, all that Ukraine has accomplished since 1991 will be for naught. Canada and the world will not sit idly by and watch the illegitimate Yanukovych regime destroy Ukraine.

• published: 28 Jan 2014
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