Canada PoliticsCanadian government closes its embassy in Ukraine
The Canadian government has closed its embassy in Kiev in response to the escalating violence in the capital city of Ukraine.
This message was posted on the embassy's website.
"The Embassy is temporarily closed until further notice.
Canadians requiring urgent assistance can email sos@international.gc.ca or call collect 613-996-8885."
Ukraine is currently embroiled in a struggle between anti-government protesters and a regime accused of harsh detainment and acts of violence against it's own people. Protests erupted last November when President Viktor Yanukovych decided to put off a plan to deepen ties with the European Union.
As reported by the Canadian Press, the violence spiked on Tuesday, with 25 people killed and hundreds injured in clashes between activists and riot police.
[ Related: Ukraine protesters seize Kyiv central post office, stand their ground against riot police ]
According to the Globe and Mail, about a dozen protesters had sought refuge in the Canadian embassy. The status of those protesters is unclear, but a spokesperson from Foreign Affairs said that all embassy staff are safe and accounted for.
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird issued this statement on Tuesday afternoon.
"I am shocked and appalled by renewed violence and deaths today in Kyiv.
Canada calls on all sides to show restraint and to cease all acts of violence immediately. No act of violence or repression today will go unnoticed by the Government of Canada, and we will work with our allies in the international community to ensure that those responsible will be held to account.
We call on the Ukrainian government to work with the opposition and demonstrators to respond to their legitimate calls for a true democracy."
Canada's government has also offered further assistance in the form of money to a Ukrainian non-governmental organization which organizes medical care for protesters.
The opposition parties, however, are calling on the prime minister to take stronger and more targeted action.
[ Related: What can Canada do for Ukraine? ]
"The use of repressive force by Ukrainian security forces is entirely unacceptable," NDP Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar said in a statement on Tuesday.
"Canada should lead the international community in supporting the Ukrainian people in achieving a political solution and respect for democratic freedoms.
"Further Canadian action is needed now, including stronger targeted individual sanctions and support for political mediation and monitoring. The Prime Minister should personally call President Yanukovych to make clear to him that the repression and abuses in Ukraine are repugnant. The people of Canada are watching the violence with dismay, and the Ukrainian government must be held to account for its actions."
(Photo courtesy of the Canadian Press)
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