Menu
03/03/2014
UK Pulls Out Of G8 Prep Talks
The UK has pulled out of preparatory talks for this year's G8 summit it has been confirmed.
The move comes as Russia continues to increase its troops in the Ukrainian region of Crimea.
The summit is due to be hosted in the Russian city of Sochi later this year.
On Monday, the leaders of the G8 participants issued a joint statement where they criticised Russia's "violation" of Ukraine.
They said: "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, 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. 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."
The statement added that Russia's actions "contravene the principles and values on which the G-7 and the G-8 operate" and as such, had decided to suspend its preparations for this year's summit.
Earlier, Downing Street confirmed that David Cameron and Barack Obama had held discussions and agreed that Russia's actions were "unacceptable".
A spokesperson added: "They agreed that Russia's actions were completely unacceptable. They agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation and for Russia to engage in a dialogue directly with Ukraine.
"They agreed there must be 'significant costs' to Russia if it did not change course on Ukraine."
(JP)
The move comes as Russia continues to increase its troops in the Ukrainian region of Crimea.
The summit is due to be hosted in the Russian city of Sochi later this year.
On Monday, the leaders of the G8 participants issued a joint statement where they criticised Russia's "violation" of Ukraine.
They said: "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, 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. 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."
The statement added that Russia's actions "contravene the principles and values on which the G-7 and the G-8 operate" and as such, had decided to suspend its preparations for this year's summit.
Earlier, Downing Street confirmed that David Cameron and Barack Obama had held discussions and agreed that Russia's actions were "unacceptable".
A spokesperson added: "They agreed that Russia's actions were completely unacceptable. They agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation and for Russia to engage in a dialogue directly with Ukraine.
"They agreed there must be 'significant costs' to Russia if it did not change course on Ukraine."
(JP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 June 2004
Blair joins world leaders for G8 summit
Prime Minister Tony Blair is flying out to attend the 30th G8 Summit in the USA this week. The summit, which is being held at Sea Island in Georgia from June 8-10, brings together the leaders of the UK, USA, France, Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada.
Blair joins world leaders for G8 summit
Prime Minister Tony Blair is flying out to attend the 30th G8 Summit in the USA this week. The summit, which is being held at Sea Island in Georgia from June 8-10, brings together the leaders of the UK, USA, France, Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada.
26 June 2003
Blair and Putin agree trade and environmental goals
Growing economic ties between the UK and the Russian Federation were strengthened today as the countries' leaders agreed to work together on increasing investment and development in energy.
Blair and Putin agree trade and environmental goals
Growing economic ties between the UK and the Russian Federation were strengthened today as the countries' leaders agreed to work together on increasing investment and development in energy.
19 March 2014
UK Condemns Russian “Land Grab” of Crimea
The foreign secretary has condemned the Crimea "land grab" as illegal and said the UK was suspending all arms export licences and military co-operation with Moscow. Similar actions is also being considered by the EU, he said.
UK Condemns Russian “Land Grab” of Crimea
The foreign secretary has condemned the Crimea "land grab" as illegal and said the UK was suspending all arms export licences and military co-operation with Moscow. Similar actions is also being considered by the EU, he said.
27 October 2008
£23m Russian Olympic Contract Welcomed
A multi-million pound engineering contract that would supply diggers to prepare for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia, has been welcomed by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson. UK-based JCB and a Russian civil engineering contractor announced the £23 million contract on the second day of the Business Secretary's visit to Russia.
£23m Russian Olympic Contract Welcomed
A multi-million pound engineering contract that would supply diggers to prepare for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia, has been welcomed by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson. UK-based JCB and a Russian civil engineering contractor announced the £23 million contract on the second day of the Business Secretary's visit to Russia.
22 February 2011
UK And Russia Commit To Collaboration In Space Science
The UK and Russia will share expertise, knowledge and innovation in space science, thanks to a joint statement being signed today by both countries in Moscow. The UK-Russia Year of Space 2011 puts in place an agreement for enhanced collaboration in space science research.
UK And Russia Commit To Collaboration In Space Science
The UK and Russia will share expertise, knowledge and innovation in space science, thanks to a joint statement being signed today by both countries in Moscow. The UK-Russia Year of Space 2011 puts in place an agreement for enhanced collaboration in space science research.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Light winds. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
