The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today issued this statement following Sunday’s agreement signed by Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych and Parliamentary Speaker Oleksander Moroz to hold new parliamentary elections on September 30.

“Canada recognizes the significant achievement represented by the agreement to hold early parliamentary elections in Ukraine.”

"Canada will continue to monitor Ukraine’s important efforts to strengthen democratic processes and democratic institutions.”

“Canada has profound and long-standing ties to Ukraine, with over 1 million Canadians proud of their Ukrainian heritage. In the most recent Ukrainian presidential elections, Canada provided over 400 official election observers, in addition to the many Ukrainian Canadians who travelled to Ukraine as concerned individuals to ensure fairness in the election process.”

“This Government believes that the Ukrainian people have an opportunity within their grasp to secure a democratic future for themselves. Canada commends all parties for their commitment to constructive dialogue and the renunciation of violence, in the interests of Ukraine’s democratic future.”

“In a telephone conversation earlier today with Ukranian Foreign Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, I emphasized Canada’s continued support for democratic reform in Ukraine. Canada urges all parties to honour the spirit of the new agreement.”