Congresswoman Kaptur Denounces Repression in Ukraine
TOLEDO, Ohio – (Jan. 23, 2014) – Congresswoman Kaptur today denounced the latest repressive measures taken by the government of Ukraine and urged President Viktor F. Yanukovich to observe the rule of law.
Three people were killed in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, earlier today during protests against the Yanukovich regime.
“Ukraine has spiraled out of control,” said Congresswoman Kaptur, who is co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Ukraine. “I urge President Yanukovich to renounce repression and commit to the rule of law.”
Kaptur noted that today’s violence followed Yanukovich’s implementation of new laws restricting the right of public assembly. Disregarding international norms, the pro-government faction of the Ukrainian parliament last week rammed through a series of laws that in effect criminalizes criticism of the government, bans free assembly, and imposes government censorship. Yanukovych immediately signed the laws into effect.
“This would take Ukraine back to the where it was 25 years ago as a Soviet ‘republic,’” said Congresswoman Kaptur. “He is taking the country in the wrong direction.”
The political crisis in Ukraine began when several thousand citizens began demonstrating in Kiev’s central square for closer association with the European Union. When the government responded with violence, hundreds of thousands of people joined the demonstrations against the endemic corruption that they claim has enriched Yanukovich and his supporters among the oligarchy.
“Millions of Americans trace their heritage back to Ukraine, including many of my own constituents,” said Congresswoman Kaptur. “Furthermore, Ukraine is one of the most strategically important countries in Europe. It is vital to our national interest that it remain democratic and free. Indeed, we are bound by international agreements—stemming from its decision in 1994 to destroy the world’s third largest nuclear arsenal—to defend and protect that country’s independence and sovereignty.”
Kaptur also called upon the government of Russia to cease using natural gas supplies and trade blockades as weapons against the democracy movement.
Kaptur said: “As Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland has reiterated, the administration is following events in Ukraine closely and has spoken out repeatedly on behalf of the mutual goals of our country and the vast majority of the Ukrainian people—for that, I commend her, Secretary Kerry, Vice President Biden and our Ambassador to Ukraine, Geoffrey Pyatt. Ms. Nuland also asserted that the United States has a number of tools we can apply to honor our commitment to Ukraine and its people during this time of crisis including individual sanctions against the enemies of democracy and the rule of law, as well as those available through international treaties. In view of the escalating events and potential catastrophe in Ukraine, I call on the administration to take forceful and appropriate action.”
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