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Rubio Comments On Crisis In Ukraine, Targeting Of Jewish Community

Apr 17, 2014 | Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today issued the following statement regarding the latest developments in Ukraine:

“The success of today’s reported agreement in Geneva will be determined by Russia’s willingness to immediately halt its efforts to destabilize Ukraine. President Putin’s rhetoric earlier today should raise concerns about how serious Russia is about respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty or in resolving this crisis peacefully.

“I am also deeply troubled by new reports that Jews in eastern Ukraine are being told to ‘register’ to separatist forces. This sort of intimidation and persecution is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in the 21st century. It is important that the international monitors from the Organization for the Security and Co-operation in Europe deploying to Ukraine as part of today’s agreement examine this issue closely to ensure that religious and ethnic minorities do not become targets.

“Despite today’s agreement, we need to maintain the pressure on Russia because of its unlawful annexation of Crimea and take concrete steps to reassure our allies in Central and Eastern Europe of our commitment to their security. We also need to support the Ukrainian government’s efforts to bring stability and security to all of Ukraine. The administration’s announcement today of nonlethal assistance is a first step in the right direction, but much more is required.”