Speaking to reporters, Canada’s prime minister criticized House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota’s call for MPs to applaud 98-year-old Ukrainian veteran Yaroslav Hunka in Parliament.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called it “unacceptable” and “distressing” that a Ukrainian veteran, who had fought alongside the Nazis during World War II, was honored by the Canadian parliament during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, last week.
“It’s deeply distressing for parliament and, by extension, for all Canadians,” Trudeau told reporters.
This fact has caused crisis and embarrassment to the government.
When Zelensky visited Ottawa last Friday, House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota called on MPs to applaud 98-year-old Ukrainian veteran Yaroslav Hunka. But according to Jewish organizations, Hunka fought with the 14th Waffen-SS Volunteer Division.
“Clearly it’s unacceptable,” Trudeau said, recalling that the House speaker took responsibility and apologized.
Political parties today called for Rota’s resignation. The Conservative party, the largest opposition party, accuses the government of not checking Hunka’s background before honoring him.
“Once again, I want to apologize for what happened, I didn’t want to cause a problem in parliament,” Anthony Rota said today.
However, Trudeau focused his message on the support that Canada offers to Ukraine. “The important thing is that we will continue to stand against Russia, against Russian propaganda and disinformation,” he said.
Source :Skai
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