Minister Baird Expresses Concern Over Arrest of Yulia Tymoshenko in Ukraine
August 6, 2011
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement in response to the arrest in Ukraine of Yulia Tymoshenko, former prime minister and currently a member of the opposition:
“Canada is concerned by the apparently politically motivated persecution, and now arrest, of Yulia Tymoshenko.
“The appearance of political bias in judicial proceedings undermines the rule of law. Canada urges the Ukrainian government to strengthen judiciary independence and continues to support efforts to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous society in Ukraine.”
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
Statement by Senator John McCain Regarding the Detention of
Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko
August 5, 2011
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement regarding the Ukrainian government’s detention of political opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko:
“I am deeply concerned about the detention today of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko in Ukraine. This action is clearly a violation of the basic rights that should be protected for every citizen in a democracy. The implications of this detention go far beyond the fate of one person. Ultimately, what is at stake is the future of freedom and democracy in Ukraine. Unfortunately, today’s action by the Ukrainian government calls into question its commitment to the fundamentals of democracy, and as such, will make Ukraine’s path toward a future in the Euro-Atlantic community harder to achieve. I urge the leadership in Kyiv to release Prime Minister Tymoshenko immediately and guarantee the rights of all Ukrainians, regardless of their political beliefs.”
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America calls for
immediate release of Tymoshenko
August 5, 2011
“The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, the umbrella organization of the over one million Americans of Ukrainian descent, is deeply concerned about the condition of Ukraine’s former Prime Minister, Yulia Tymoshenko.
As reported in the press, Kyiv’s Pechersky District court ordered her arrest and detention today.
The UCCA calls upon Ukrainian authorities to immediately release her from prison.
Furthermore, as the representative body of Ukrainian Americans, the UCCA urges the United States government to publicly condemn her political imprisonment and utilize all diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of her life and her release.
The Yanukovych regime’s selective use of law enforcement, which has resulted in probes of political opposition leaders and the arrest of Yulia Tymoshenko and others, is one in a series of anti-democratic policies of political persecution.
The world’s democracies cannot remain silent while basic human rights are being violated and the rule of law is nothing more than a command system.”
Australia’s Ukrainian Community calls on Australian Government to Condemn Arrest of Ukraine’s Opposition Leader Yulia Tymoshenko
August 7, 2011
The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) today called on the Australian Government to intervene in the politically motivated arrest of
Opposition Leader and former Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko in Kyiv on Friday, August 5.
“The Court’s action in arresting Tymoshenko is another example of the violation of human rights and the Yanukovych Government’s systematic program of eradicating any form of opposition. Democratic process are being dwindled away” AFUO Chairman Stefan Romaniw OAM said today.
The AFUO wrote to Australia’s Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Martin Ferguson to intervene in this gross violation of human rights and to ensure that fundamental rights and freedoms are afforded to all of Ukraine’s citizens, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion. The AFUO called on the Australian Government to demand Yulia Tymoshenko’s immediate release.
“The International community has warned on numerous occasions of the undemocratic processes being implemented by the current regime . Australia has a responsibility as an international stalwart for democracy, not to sit idle,” Mr Romaniw said.
For full story: AFUO
UCC Media Contact
Darla Penner
Tel: (204) 942-4627
Email: dpenner@ucc.ca
Website: www.ucc.ca
