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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)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
