G-7 Leaders Condemn Russia In Scathing Statement
Source: Business Insider
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 Federations clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, in contravention of Russias obligations under the UN Charter and its 1997 basing agreement with Ukraine. We call on Russia to address any ongoing security or human rights concerns that it has with Ukraine through direct negotiations, and/or via international observation or mediation under the auspices of the UN or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. We stand ready to assist with these efforts.
We also call on all parties concerned to behave with the greatest extent of self-restraint and responsibility, and to decrease the tensions.
We note that Russias actions in Ukraine also contravene the principles and values on which the G-7 and the G-8 operate. As such, we have decided for the time being to suspend our participation in activities associated with the preparation of the scheduled G-8 Summit in Sochi in June, until the environment comes back where the G-8 is able to have meaningful discussion.
We are united in supporting Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its right to choose its own future. We commit ourselves to support Ukraine in its efforts to restore unity, stability, and political and economic health to the country. To that end, we will support Ukraines work with the International Monetary Fund to negotiate a new program and to implement needed reforms. IMF support will be critical in unlocking additional assistance from the World Bank, other international financial institutions, the EU, and bilateral sources.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/g-7-statement-condemning-russia-on-ukraine-2014-3
Immediate economic sanctions will be less uniform, but Russia's facing isolation of a very painful kind.
RobertEarl
(13,685 posts)And thank Gawd Russia does not have a bush league type leader!
cosmicone
(11,014 posts)pscot
(21,023 posts)okaawhatever
(9,453 posts)in power hear is "no foreign capital investment in Russia", "higher interest rates", "if I upgrade my manufacturing plant now and sanctions take effect I'll be screwed, I'd better wait". And what Putin knows is that any kind of sanctions or capital flight will hurt the economy and by extension his popularity. There were massive protests during his last election. One of the reasons for the military show in the Crimea was to boost his popularity. If the G-7 countries can hold together that will tank.
I can't believe they got Germany to go along. Germany is dependent on Russia for gas and many of the German oligarchs have sweet deals with the Nord Stream/Russia pipeline thanks to former Chancellor Schroder. I don't know if she's bucking people in her country to join the protest or not.
iamthebandfanman
(8,127 posts)and now they will feel what the rest of the world can do without firing a shot.
welcome back to the cold war Russia, weve missed you so much.
time to twist until the bread line forms again.
magical thyme
(14,881 posts)geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)Russia you suppose?
magical thyme
(14,881 posts)I saw a lot of huffing and puffing. And something about the IMF helping the Ukraine.
Nothing about booting Russia. Nothing even about any kind of sanctions. Just a lot of hot air. And to me, the louder they squeal, the less likely they are to do anything.
Winter is not yet over.
geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)magical thyme
(14,881 posts)oldandhappy
(6,719 posts)We may need to help each other to do that and I support that. Stop all trade with Russia. Freeze all funds. And cancel the G-8. Putin cares about show. Do not show up.