G7 demands Egypt make 'clear and unanimous condemnation' of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine
G7 demands Egypt make 'clear and unanimous condemnation' of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine
In an official statement, G7 nations are urging Egypt to adhere to UN Charter principles of stability and peace, in hopes of that the country will denounce Russian aggression in Ukraine.
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G7 nations anticipate that Egypt, lead by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, will unanimously condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine [Getty]
G7 members have called on Egypt to explicitly condemn Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and support the "territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine", in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The ambassadors of the US, Japan, Canada, the UK, and the EU countries of Germany, France and Italy said Egypt should issue a "clear and unanimous condemnation" of Russia's assault on its neighbour, which has left as many as 2,000 civilians dead.
The leaders pronounced Russia’s military aggression as a violation of "the most elementary rules of the international order", and emphasised the "need to take strong and decisive actions" against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s bloody military endeavour.
"We need to stand by Ukraine and affirm our unwavering commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders, and under the United Nations Charter," the statement added.
The statement urged Cairo to adhere to the UN Charter's principles of peace, integrity and stability, and described Egypt as a country that "prided itself on its consistent stance in matters of foreign policy", given former President Gamal Abdel Nasser’s "stance" on non-intervention.
President Abdel Fattah Sisi has allied himself with other autocrats, including the UAE and Russia.
The bloc also warned of several economic consequences, notably to wheat imports, that Egypt will likely suffer from due to Moscow’s aggression of Kyiv. Both Russia and Ukraine are the largest wheat exporters to Egypt and prices are set to increase across the country, according to the statement.
The tourism sector will also be likely impacted, as Ukrainians, who accounted for 1,46 million visitors in 2021, will be prevented from visiting Egypt.
During an emergency Arab League meeting over Ukraine on Sunday, Egypt expressed "broad concerns" and "hopes for a quick resolution", according to Reuters.
UN member states are currently holding a General Assembly emergency session, which includes a vote on a non-binding resolution that will demand Russia withdraw its troops from Ukraine, according to NPR. The vote is expected to take place Wednesday.
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