OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Canada is deeply concerned about the political unrest in Ukraine.
In a statement issued early Wednesday, Harper calls the use of riot police against peaceful protesters in the capital Kyiv “undemocratic and excessive.”
His comments came as demonstrators faced off with thousands of riot police in Kyiv’s central square Wednesday after an overnight confrontation in which several people were injured.
VIDEO: Police storm protest camp
The protests began late last month when President Viktor Yanukovych backed away from a pact that would deepen the former Soviet republic’s economic ties with the European Union.
Harper says Canada and the international community expect Ukrainian authorities to respect and protect the rights of its citizens, including the right to express their opinions freely.
Harper, who was in Pretoria, South Africa Wednesday to view the body of former president Nelson Mandela, also warned that Canada and “like-minded allies” will monitor developments closely and consider all options at their disposal.
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