Prime Minister Stephen Harper speaks to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko
19 December 2014 21:33
The same day Prime Minister announced additional economic sanctions and travel bans against 20 Russian and Ukrainian individuals, and new export restrictions on technologies used in Russia’s oil exploration and extractive sector.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke today with the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko. Prime Minister Harper congratulated Ukraine on its recently formed government, and encouraged Ukraine to be resolute in its pursuit of deep and robust reforms.
The leaders also discussed the situation in eastern Ukraine and the need to continue to confront Russian aggression. Prime Minister Harper reiterated Canadian support to Ukraine, including concrete measures such as the provision of winterized kits and other non-lethal military equipment. He also highlighted the importance of the recently signed Declaration of Intent related to defence cooperation. The two leaders also expressed a commitment to complete the free trade negotiations between Canada and Ukraine as quickly as possible.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper also issued the following statement announcing additional economic sanctions and travel bans against 20 Russian and Ukrainian individuals, and new export restrictions on technologies used in Russia’s oil exploration and extractive sector:
“Since the onset of the conflict, the Putin regime has continuously violated the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
“Canada will not accept the illegal occupation of Crimea and persistent, provocative military activity in eastern Ukraine. As such, we are once again announcing additional economic sanctions and travel bans against Russian and Ukrainian individuals. We are also imposing new restrictions on the export of technology used in Russia’s oil exploration and extractive sector and further defining existing debt and equity financing prohibitions.
“The sanctions we have taken to date, in close collaboration with our allies and partners, are putting real economic pressure on Russia to cease militarism in Ukrainian territory.
“Canada will stand in steadfast support of the Ukrainian people as they continue to struggle for peace and freedom against the Putin regime. We stand ready to take further proposed measures with our allies and partners if required.”
http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2014/12/19/statement-prime-minister-canada-announcing-additional-sanctions
