UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine

Ministers speak with reporters on Parliament Hill as the Cabinet Committee on Canada-U.S. Relations and National Security meets. They face questions on Canada’s ongoing trade disputes with the U.S. and China and U.S. President Donald Trump's recent comments that he would rather deal with a liberal than a conservative government in Canada.   Speaking with reporters are ministers François-Philippe Champagne (finance),  Jonathan Wilkinson (energy and natural resources), Rachel Bendayan (immigration), Kody Blois (agriculture), and Steven MacKinnon (jobs and families).    Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly also discusses China’s recent execution of several Canadian citizens for “drug-related crime.”  the members of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine spoke to journalists in Geneva about their latest report to the UN Human Rights Council. The Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission, Erik Møse, and the two other expert members, Vrinda Grover and Pablo de Greiff, participated in a press conference held at the United Nations Office at Geneva. The Secretary-General is still in Brussels today, and a few hours ago, he took part in a working lunch with the Heads of State and Government of the European Union. As we mentioned, he was invited by the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa – and this lunch took place at the opening of the European Council.  The Secretary-General and Mr. Costa spoke to the press as they entered the European Union building. Mr. Guterres expressed his appreciation for our partnership with the EU, reiterating that it is a fundamental pillar of the multilateral response to the challenges we face in peace and security, climate, sustainable development, and human rights.   Turning to the situation in Ukraine, the Secretary-General said any ceasefire is welcome because it saves lives, but he added that it is essential that a ceasefire paves the way for a just peace in Ukraine – a peace that respects the UN Charter, international law, and Security Council resolutions, namely about the territorial integrity of Ukraine.   The Secretary-General renewed his appeal for respect of the ceasefire in Gaza, for unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas of Gaza, and for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. His full remarks have been shared with you.                                                                 Tomorrow, the Secretary-General will deliver remarks in Leuven, where the universities KU Leuven and UC Louvain will jointly award an honorary doctorate to the United Nations. In his remarks, Mr. Guterres will pay tribute to the work and commitment of our UN colleagues around the world. The ceremony will be webcast live on UN WebTV.   Tomorrow, the Secretary-General is also scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart De Wever. The Secretary-General will be back here on Monday morning.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/policy-and-rights--3339563/support.