Canada pulls away ambassador from Moscow over Ukraine

International pressure is growing on Russia after its troops took over the strategic Crimea region on Saturday, says Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper. ( AP)

Canada says it is pulling its ambassador from Moscow over the crisis in Ukraine. A statement issued by Prime Minister Stephen Harper after an emergency Cabinet meeting says Canada also is pulling out  of the Group of Eight process being chaired by Russia for an international economic summit in June.

Harper strongly condemns Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine and urges President Vladimir Putin to withdraw his troops. International pressure is growing on Russia after its troops took over the strategic Crimea region on  Saturday.

Russia’s parliament granted Putin authority to use the military to protect Russian interests in Ukraine, where a new  government has been named after demonstrations pushed President Viktor Yanukovych from office.

President Barack Obama, U.N. Security Council members and others are asking Russia to de-escalate tensions.