Editorial cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Condemning Russia, G7 leaders suspend planning for Sochi summit
The U.S. and six other nations say they are suspending participation in the planning for an international summit in Russia this summer.
The White House issued the joint statement on behalf of the Group of Seven. That’s the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The nations also participate in the Group of Eight economic group, which includes Russia.
In the joint statement, the countries say they condemn Russia’s “clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.” They say Russia’s advances in Ukraine violate the “principles and values” on which the G7 and G8 operate.
Russia is scheduled to host the G8 summit in June in Sochi, site of the recently completed Winter Olympics.
“We, the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States and the President of the European Council and President of the European Commission, join together today to condemn the Russian Federation’s clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” the statement said.
“We have decided for the time being to suspend our participation in activities associated with the preparation of the scheduled G8 Summit in Sochi in June.”
Duller times in 2004
The European Union, however, is unlikely to match the United States in threatening sanctions against Russia when its foreign ministers meet to discuss Ukraine on Monday, instead pushing for mediation between Moscow and Kiev, officials say.
The emergency talks, convened after Russian President Vladimir Putin secured parliamentary approval on Saturday to invade Ukraine, are expected to result in a strongly worded statement of condemnation, but no immediate punitive measures. (Source: Globe & Mail)