G7 leaders condemn Russia over Ukraine

The leaders of the world's top industrialized powers turned on fellow G8 member Russia for its "clear" violation of Ukraine's sovereignty, withdrawing from preparations for June's G8 summit in Sochi. Symbolically billing themselves as the "G7," the leaders said Russia's actions were incompatible with the Group of Eight Nations, which Moscow joined in 1997, and said they would stay out of the Black Sea resort summit until the G8 can return to "meaningful" dialogue. The statement, signed by the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and the presidents of the European Council and European Commission, was released by the White House. The leaders said they joined together to "condemn the Russian Federation's clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, in contravention of Russia's 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." The statement called on all parties to "behave with the greatest extent of self-restraint and responsibility, and to decrease the tensions." The leaders also said that Russia's actions in sending troops into Crimea contravened the principles on which the G7 and the G8 grouping operates. "As such, 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, until the environment comes back where the G8 is able to have meaningful discussion. "We are united in supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its right to choose its own future," the statement said, vowing support for Ukraine's stability and political and economic well-being. In a separate statement, the G7 finance ministers promised a firm aid package to Ukraine, while calling for economic reform and a central role by the International Monetary Fund to stave off an economic crisis. "We are united in our commitment to provide strong financial backing to Ukraine," they said ahead of an IMF team visit to Ukraine this week to launch technical and policy discussions. "IMF support will be critical in unlocking additional assistance from the World Bank, other international financial institutions, the EU and bilateral sources." Although Russia has been a fully fledged member of the G8 since it joined in 1997, the G7 grouping continues to convene when the discussion is limited to economic and financial issues.