A bipartisan resolution introduced by Congressman Albio Sires disapproving Russia’s inclusion in future Group of Seven (G7) summits until it respects the territorial integrity of its neighbors and adheres to the standards of democratic societies, was unanimously passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday, Oct 30.
"Time and time again, Russia has shown it has no respect for the territorial or democratic integrity of other nations," said Rep. Sires.
"When Russia was expelled from the Group of Eight in 2014 after its aggressive actions in Ukraine, the remaining seven nations agreed several conditions that must be met before it would be allowed to participate in future summits. Russia has not met any of the conditions but has become more aggressive in Ukraine and has undermined democracy in numerous other countries, including the United States. I want to thank my colleagues on the Committee for supporting my resolution and reiterating long-standing congressional sentiment that Russia cannot participate in G7 summits while it continues to flout international democratic standards," the Resolution author said in a statement.
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Rep. Sires introduced the draft in August 2019, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to invite Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to next year's G7 summit.
The resolution reiterates support for Ukraine, condemns the Russian Federation's actions in Crimea, reaffirms support for the Russian Federation's suspension from the G8, and stresses that future participation hinges on respecting the territorial integrity of other nations.
After the Resolution passed the Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously, it now awaits further action on the House Floor.
"Russia must not be allowed to participate in the G7 while they continue to illegally occupy parts of Eastern Ukraine, destabilize the Middle East, and commit numerous human rights abuses," Rep. Sires tweeted.
