Pretoria, South Africa - 11 December 2013
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on developments in Ukraine:
"Canada is deeply concerned with last night's developments in Ukraine. The decision by Ukrainian authorities to use riot police against peaceful protests in Kyiv's Maidan Square is undemocratic and excessive. It is particularly troubling as it follows on the police violence against peaceful protestors, mostly students, only days ago.
"Canada and the international community expect Ukrainian authorities to respect and protect the rights of its citizens, including the right to express their opinions freely.
"Canada stands with the Ukrainian people during this difficult time and will continue to forcefully oppose all efforts to repress their rights and freedoms. The House of Commons dedicated time to discussing the situation in Ukraine yesterday.
"We and like minded allies will be monitoring developments closely and considering all options at our disposal."
