Quebec intends to put pressure on the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) to denounce the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Quebec Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Nadine Girault, flew on Saturday for a stay of nearly a week in Paris.
She said in an interview with The Canadian Press that it will take advantage of its visit to the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie to firmly condemn the Russian invasion.
A meeting with the secretary general of the OIF, Louise Mushikiwabo, is also on his agenda.
The OIF has still not taken a position in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, yet an observer member of the organization. Ms. Girault describes this silence as “surprising”.
“I will continue to press for the organization to position itself publicly. They need to come out, they need to say publicly where they stand,” she said.
“I think Ms. Mushikiwabo must start to feel pressure from Member States (…) to take a stand. It is the only organization that has not come out there, ”she adds.
The Minister affirms that discussions have already taken place between her cabinet and that of the Secretary General; a draft resolution is moreover in preparation at the OIF, which raises the hope of a consensus.
At present, several African countries would not dare to criticize Russia. “Of course there are always commercial interests,” admits Ms. Girault.
“But what are the real interests that push countries not to condemn acts of such horror”, she wonders.
The Russian invasion is “abominable”, she continued. “It’s a total disrespect of human rights. (…) Just the bombing of a maternity hospital, I mean, it’s inconceivable, she was indignant. We are in 2022. That we are not able to sit down, to agree, to have a diplomatic discussion, whatever the level, is totally unacceptable. »
In this context, the OIF must stand up and assume its role, she believes. “It would send an additional clear message that the current situation is not acceptable. […] That would be a very strong message. »
Quebec will provide additional assistance
In addition, Ms. Girault announced that the Government of Quebec will provide additional assistance to international cooperation organizations that support Ukrainians.
On March 1, the government granted $150,000 to Doctors of the World Canada and $150,000 to the Canadian Red Cross, Quebec division.
These organizations were chosen because of their presence on the ground, their neutrality and their ability to provide essential assistance to affected communities.
“We are going to make a second shipment,” said Minister Girault on Friday, without specifying, however, to whom this additional aid will be paid.
Recall that in February, the National Assembly denounced the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The elected officials had unanimously adopted a motion of support for the Ukrainians.
The Legault government subsequently announced the withdrawal of Russian products from the Société des alcools du Québec and the lowering of the Ukrainian flag in parliament.
Quebec has said it is ready to accept an unlimited number of Ukrainian refugees.