Harper urges Putin to withdraw from Ukraine
Prime minister issues statement denouncing Russia’s military involvement as crisis builds
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper called on Russia Saturday to “immediately” withdraw its military forces in Ukraine back to their bases and Canada has taken diplomatic steps to punish the Russians for their actions.
The message came through a statement issued by his office Saturday evening after Harper gathered some “key” members of his cabinet to discuss the quickly escalating crisis in Ukraine.
The statement said Canada joins its allies in “condemning in the strongest terms” Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military intervention in Ukraine.
“These actions are a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Harper.
“They are also in violation of Russia’s obligations under international law,” he said.
“Canada recognizes the legitimacy of the Government of Ukraine.
“Ukraine’s sovereign territory must be respected and the Ukrainian people must be free to determine their own future. We call on President Putin to immediately withdraw his forces to their bases and refrain from further provocative and dangerous actions.”
Harper said Canada will continue to cooperate closely with its allies and other G-7 nations.
“Should President Putin continue on this course of action, it will lead to ongoing negative consequences for our bilateral relationship.”
On Saturday, Russia’s armed forces took control of the Crimean Peninsula, a region at the southern tip of Ukraine which is heavily Russian in its ethnic makeup.
Also on Saturday, Putin easily persuaded the Russian parliament to authorize the deployment of troops into the “territory of Ukraine” — not just in Crimea.
The Ukrainian government, which was only recently installed after the ouster of president Viktor Yanukovych, said Russia had invaded its territory.
On Saturday, Harper announced Canada has suspended its involvement in preparations for the annual G8 Summit, which is being hosted this year in June by Russia in Sochi, site of the recent Winter Olympics.