Montreal Ukrainians protest Russian actions near Tuzla (11/02/03)

Montreal Ukrainians protest Russian actions near Tuzla

by Simon Kouklewsky

MONTREAL - Montreal Ukrainians gathered in front of the Russian Federation's General Consulate here on Wednesday, October 29, to voice their disapproval of Russian pretensions to Ukrainian territory. More than 30 demonstrators waved signs reading: "Russia, respect Ukraine's borders!" - "Russie, respectez les frontières de l'Ukraine!"

These slogans were also chanted by the demonstrators together with: "Good neighbors respect borders" - "Les bons voisins respectent les frontières."

The president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Montreal Branch - Quebec Provincial Council, the Very Rev. Dr. Ihor Kutash, read a press release prepared by the UCC National President Eugene Czolij. In addition, historical and recent developments were related regarding Tuzla Island.

The demonstration was conducted in Canada's two official languages.

The event, which transpired during the lunch hour ended with the singing of the national anthems of Canada and Ukraine. All relevant (French, English and Ukrainian) local media received press releases the evening before. Three covered the demonstration: Radio Canada International (Ukrainian Section - www.rcinet.ca), Ukrainian Time (Radio CFMB - www.UkrainianTime.com) and www.Quebec-Ukraine.com/news/ (photos).

The request to organize this demonstration together with other cities was issued by the Ukrainian World Congress earlier this week. The protests were scheduled ahead of an October 30 meeting in Kyiv between the foreign ministers of Ukraine and the Russian Federation.

Besides Montreal, demonstrations were held in the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv and Lviv, as well as in Washington, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

| Home Page |