Februray 25,2014
MEDIA RELEASE
AFUO CHAIRMAN MEETS WITH CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTER JOHN BAIRD IN MELBOURNE
Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations chair and General Secretary of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) , Stefan Romaniw today met with The Foreign Minister of Canada The Hon John Baird.
Bob Onyschuk Chair of the Ukraine Canada Foundation also participated.
Mr Romaniw expressed his gratitude on behalf of the UWC to Prime Minister Harper’s Government and praised the individual efforts of The Hon John Baird for the leadership and resilient position in supporting Ukraine’s towards democracy and in ending the current tyranny.
The Minister indicated that Canada is fully committed and would do what was possible to assist Ukraine to develop and democratic , civil society. He also indicated that Canada would stand close to Ukraine in these times and would continue to lobby the international community to do likewise.
The discussion formed around a range of issues such as;
Ukraine needs to be protected from any interference and also needs to be supported in forming the new parameters and frameworks for forming responsible government.
It was agreed that corruption must be fought at all levels and all those wishing to be decision or lawmakers need it be scrutinised and exposed if corrupt.
It was agreed that the current situation cannot lend itself to factions, manipulation or at worst corruption.
The Minister stated that Canada would be sending a strong election monitoring mission to the next Presidential elections.
Mr Romaniw requested that Minister speak to Australian Foreign Affairs Minister and reinforce what Canada is doing and that Australia needs to lift its support. It was proposed that the Minister make the offer to the Australian Government that Australians could join the Canadian election monitoring mission.
An inspiring and productive discussion.
Further information – Stefan Romaniw +61419531255
Left to right: The Hon John Baird, Stefan Romaniw, Bob Onyschuk
