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MELBOURNE, Australia (AFP) – Permitting Russian President Vladimir Putin to sit down with different world leaders at this yr’s G20 summit could be “a step too far”, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison mentioned Thursday.
Putin has already been invited to the G20 heads of state summit in November by this yr’s host Jakarta, and he intends to be there, Russia’s ambassador to Indonesia mentioned this week.
However Morrison objected, citing Russia’s battle in neighbouring Ukraine.
“I feel we have to have individuals within the room that aren’t invading different international locations,” he mentioned.
The prime minister mentioned he had been in “direct contact” with Indonesian President Joko Widodo about Putin’s attendance on the Group of 20, which brings collectively the world’s prime economies, together with the US, China, Japan and a few European nations.
“Russia has invaded Ukraine. This can be a violent and aggressive act that shatters the worldwide rule of regulation,” Morrison informed a information convention in Melbourne.
“And the concept of sitting round a desk with Vladimir Putin… for me, is a step too far.”
China this week described Russia as an “necessary member” of the G20 and mentioned no member had the appropriate to expel one other nation, after Washington raised the prospect of excluding Moscow.
Morrison famous that Australia and the Netherlands this month have additionally launched contemporary authorized proceedings in opposition to Russia over the downing of Malaysia Airways flight MH17, which was shot down over Ukraine on July 17, 2014, killing everybody on board.
Worldwide investigators say it was struck by a surface-to-air missile initially introduced from a Russian army base.
“So we all know Vladimir Putin’s kind with regards to taking the lives of harmless civilians,” Morrison mentioned.
“I’m not shocked by their barbarity. I’m not shocked by their conceitedness in what they’re in search of to impose on Ukraine. And that’s why Australia has been one of many strongest in taking motion in relation to Russia.”
Australia introduced Sunday a ban on all exports of alumina and bauxite to Russia whereas pledging extra weapons and humanitarian help to Ukraine.
The federal government says Australia has levelled 476 sanctions in opposition to Russian people and establishments because the invasion started on February 24.
© Agence France-Presse
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