Canada is opposed to a return to the G8, with the reinstatement of Russia, until Moscow has liberated the annexed territories in eastern Ukraine, said Thursday the head of Canadian diplomacy Chrystia Freeland.
"Russia's violation of international law by invading the Crimea and annexing the Donbass, and continuing to support the war (in this region of eastern Ukraine), does not leave us a choice, that's why 'it is excluded' from the group of eight countries most industrialized, said at a press conference the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
"We do not support the idea of Russia being re-invited," a Canadian government source told reporters.
The minister was speaking on the eve of the departure of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Biarritz (south-west of France), where is held this weekend the G7 summit (Germany, Canada, United States, France, Italy, Japan and United Kingdom).
A fierce opponent of Vladimir Putin's regime, Freeland has left the door open to a possible Russian rehabilitation.
"Everyone will be very happy to invite Russia to be a member of the G7 again, once it is part of Crimea and Donbass, it's very simple," said the minister in reference to these two regions Ukrainians whose annexation by Moscow has never been recognized by the international community.
The Canadian position joins that of France. President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday ruled "relevant that Russia can eventually join the G8", provided "that a solution is found in connection with Ukraine on the basis of the Minsk agreements".
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he was in favor of returning to the G8 with the reinstatement of Russia, saying it was "much more sensible", without mentioning a prerequisite.
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https://www.tvanouvelles.ca/2019/08/22/le-canada-oppose-a-un-retour-au-g8-avec-la-russie
