The Russian Federation has been excluded from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), immediately losing its rights and privileges as part of the specialized service of the United Nations, the Organization said in a statement on Wednesday.
At the first Extraordinary General Assembly of the UNWTO, members discussed the suspension of Russia's participation in the Organization, as decided by the UNWTO Executive Board at its extraordinary meeting last month. The Russian delegation refused to defend its position and instead announced its withdrawal from the UNWTO before the debate.
The Assembly voted in favor of the suspension, far exceeding the required two-thirds majority. The decision is valid immediately, while the voluntary withdrawal is valid only one year after the submission of a formal announcement by a Member through the appropriate channels.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: "UNWTO members have sent a clear message: Tourism is a pillar of peace and international friendship and UNWTO members must uphold these values or face the consequences, without exception. "This extraordinary General Assembly shows that Russia's actions cannot be defended and are contrary to the very principles of the UNWTO and international governance."
Source: KYPE