The Russian government left the World Tourism Organization (WTO) in anticipation of its imminent expulsion due to the invasion of Ukraine.
“Russia has announced its intention to withdraw from the UNWTO,” the organ said on Twitter, noting that “the suspension will come into effect immediately”, at its plenary meeting in Madrid.
Despite this, members of the plenary will vote on Russia’s suspension. The measure was decided by a majority of UNWTO Executive Board members in early March.
“Members will be able to express their opinions through a democratic vote,” the organization said in a statement on its social media account.
The suspension must be approved by two-thirds of the members.
“Our statutes are clear: to promote tourism in favor of peace and universal respect for human rights,” the Georgian Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO secretary-general, also said on Twitter.
“Only members who comply with it can join the UNWTO,” he added.
In early March, the UNWTO, which consists of 159 member states, condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24. According to this Madrid-based organization since 1976, it will be the first time a meeting will be held to consider a member’s suspension.
source: Noticias
