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Canada Condemns Use of Force Against Protesters in Ukraine

November 30, 2013 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada strongly condemns the deplorable use of violence today by Ukrainian authorities against peaceful protesters in Independence Square. These demonstrators simply want a closer association with the European Union.

“Freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are fundamental tenets of any truly democratic country.

“We call upon the Government of Ukraine to respect and indeed protect the rights of its citizens to express their opinions freely, consistent with Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe principles.

“Canada stands with the people of Ukraine to build a society based on freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”

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