The following statement by Olena Koszarny, chair of Ukraine Advisory Council of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) was released on June 23.
Dear Friends,
Last week was a week of which both Canadians and Ukrainians should be very proud.
Presidential Administration of Ukraine
President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine and Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada with their spouses, Dr. Maryna Poroshenko and Laureen Harper.
On June 6, the prime minister of Canada officially visited Ukraine on his way to the G-7 meetings in Germany, once against demonstrating that Canada stands firmly beside Ukraine. His statements clearly set forth Canada’s position: “I don’t think Russia under Vladimir Putin belongs in the G7. Period,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper told the Associated Press. “Canada would very, very strongly oppose Putin ever sitting around that table again. It would require consensus to bring Russia back and that consensus will just not happen.”
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress was a member of the delegation accompanying the prime minister of Canada and also attended all Ukrainian World Congress meetings last week with President Petro Poroshenko and the Ukrainian government leadership. A summary in English and Ukrainian is attached.
We thank the president of Ukraine, the prime minister, the Cabinet of Ministers, the parliamentarians who through their commitment, passion and energy are tackling problems that have accumulated for nearly 24 years and who are working with our diaspora organizations and representatives in unprecedented ways.
We also thank the Volunteer Council who are working both inside and outside the system, acting as catalysts for change. It is an honor to work with you, and we look forward to continuing our cooperation.
We know that the people of Ukraine have suffered and are suffering tremendously.
We understand that the country’s finances have been depleted to next to nothing by the former regime while the enemy has attacked and continues to destabilize Ukraine, waging a military, information and trade war against us.
We know that your work is difficult and often unappreciated and criticized.
May God help you and our beloved Ukraine during these challenging times and continue to give you strength and fortitude to lead this country during this important moment in its history.
Please stay the course and do all that you can to keep moving the country towards the goals of a free, united, democratic and prosperous Ukraine.
Slava Ukraini!