Canada welcomes the forming of a new government in Ukraine: PM Stephen Harper

Toronto: Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the forming of a new government in Ukraine:

“Today we celebrate a milestone in the evolution of Ukraine becoming a free and democratic country: the forming of a new government intent on justice, the rule of law and being part of the European family. This comes exactly 23 years after Canada became the first Western country to recognize Ukraine’s independence as a sovereign state.

“The country has come so far in such a short time. A little more than a year ago, protests were just beginning on Independence Square (Maidan) against the corrupt Yanukovych regime.

“Since then, the brave citizens of Ukraine have persevered in the face of considerable adversity and the Putin regime’s continued aggression and militarism, and its many attempts to disrupt the country’s progress. They have shown true resilience and valour in their commitment to a more peaceful and prosperous country.

“Canada has stood beside the people of Ukraine through these trials, providing economic, development, humanitarian, military and electoral assistance, including the deployment of hundreds of Canadian election observers to both elections in Ukraine this year.

“We will remain a leading supporter of the country’s democratic aspirations and an active partner in ensuring the security and prosperity of its citizens.”