New York – Rep. Eliot L. Engel, the senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement calling for immediate targeted sanctions in Ukraine.

“Ukraine has witnessed a shocking escalation in violence which has reportedly resulted in several dozen deaths and hundreds of injuries. Those who ordered and participated in these latest tragic events in Kyiv must be held personally accountable. I therefore urge the Administration to take immediate action and impose targeted sanctions, including visa restrictions and the freezing of all financial assets, against those individuals responsible for authorizing and engaging in violence, in particular against peaceful protestors. Furthermore, I also call on the European Union to take similar actions, effective immediately. And while I believe that the Administration has the necessary authorities to take appropriate actions, the House of Representatives should also consider additional Congressional action, if necessary.

“I continue to strongly condemn all violence, and once again call on all sides to exercise the utmost restraint and return immediately to substantive dialogue in order to find a peaceful, political resolution to the current crisis. At this critical moment, the United States must stand up for the democratic and human rights of the citizens of Ukraine, and for their democratic aspirations and right to choose their own future.”

On February 10, 2014, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed H.Res. 447, authored by Rep. Engel, which supports the democratic and European aspirations of the people of Ukraine, and their right to choose their own future of intimidation and fear.

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