Rota again apologized for his mistake and also noted that many people were hurt by the “public recognition” he gave to the former Nazi.
Rota had previously issued an official declarationin which he expressed regret over the incident. He emphasized that none of the deputies and members of the Ukrainian delegation knew about his intentions, and he himself did not have complete information about this person.
The scandal with Gunk’s invitation to parliament broke out on September 22. Rota introduced him as a World War II veteran who “fought for the independence of Ukraine against the Russians.” He called Hunk a “hero” and urged those in the room to thank him “for his service.” Everyone present, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, gave a standing ovation, and Zelenskyy saluted the SS veteran with a clenched fist raised.
Jaroslav Gunk, was a member of the 14th Grenadier Division of the Waffen-SS, known as “Galicia”, a volunteer unit consisting mainly of ethnic Ukrainians under Nazi command.
Foto:
CBS NEWS
It was subsequently revealed that Hunka was a member of the 14th Grenadier Division of the Waffen-SS, known as “Galicia”, a volunteer unit consisting mainly of ethnic Ukrainians under Nazi command. Before surrendering in 1945, it was renamed the First Ukrainian Division.
The honoring of an SS veteran in the Canadian parliament caused an international scandal. The Polish ambassador to Canada, Witold Dzielski, demanded an apology, saying that “Galicia” was responsible for the murder of thousands of Poles and Jews. For example, in February 1944, the 4th Galician Volunteer Regiment participated in the destruction of the Polish village of Guta Pieniacka, where 172 houses were burned and more than 500 people, including women and children, were killed.
Jaroslav Gunk, was a member of the 14th Grenadier Division of the Waffen-SS, known as “Galicia”, a volunteer unit consisting mainly of ethnic Ukrainians under Nazi command.
Foto:
CBS NEWS
The Canadian Center for Holocaust Research, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal, also demanded an apology and explanation. They emphasized that “Galicia” “is responsible for the massacres of innocent citizens, committed with unimaginable cruelty”. In addition, Hunka’s performance in parliament was criticized by the United Nations, Russia and Belarus.
MPs and members of the Canadian government demanded Rota’s resignation. Secretary of State Melanie Jolie she marked the incident as an “unacceptable” act and a “disgrace to Parliament and Canadians”.
Source: eurozpravy.cz
