U.S. Senators urge suspension of Russia's G-8 membership

"U.S. Senators John McCain (Republican) and Joe Lieberman (Democrat) introduced legislation urging the President to suspend Russia's membership in the Group of Eight (G-8) industrialized democracies until the Russian Government ends its assault on political freedom, independent media, and the rule of law and demonstrates its commitment to the democratic principles that unite all other members of the G-8," reads the official press release.

The McCain-Lieberman resolution would express the Sense of Congress that the Russian Government's selective prosecution of its political opponents, suppression of free media, and commission of widespread atrocities against civilians in Chechnya do not reflect the minimum standards of democratic governance and rule of law that characterize every other member of the G-8.

"The United States must not remain silent as a creeping coup against the forces of democracy and market capitalism in Russia threatens the freedom of the Russian people and the foundation of U.S.-Russia relations," said Senator McCain. "I believe it is time for a hard-headed and dispassionate reconsideration of American policy in response to the resurgence of authoritarian forces in Moscow. It is time to send a signal to President Putin's government that undemocratic behavior will exclude Russia from the company of Western democracies."

"President Putin's assault on democracy in Russia violates the spirit of the Group of Eight industrialized democracies," said Senator Lieberman. "It also breaks the commitment Russia made when it was invited to join the group. We should use the leverage of G-8 membership to get Russia back on the democratic track."

Tom Lantos, ranking member on the House International Relations Committee, and Chris Cox, Chairman of the House Policy Committee, introduced identical legislation in the House.