With Brazil abstaining, OAS approves Russia’s suspension as a permanent observer

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – On April 21, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) approved the suspension of Russia as a permanent observer due to the Russian military operation in Ukraine. The resolution against Russia was approved with 25 votes in favor, none against, eight abstentions, including Brazil, and one absence from the Permanent Council.

In addition to Brazil, Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Argentina, and Bolivia abstained. Nicaragua was absent.

The initiative, presented by Guatemala, Antigua and Barbuda, and supported by Canada, Colombia, Grenada, the United States, and Uruguay, was adopted at a special meeting of the OAS Permanent Council, held in a hybrid format.

The suspension is effective immediately and will last until “the Russian government ceases hostilities, withdraws all its military forces and equipment from Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, and resumes the path of dialogue and diplomacy,” the text reads.

The resolution justifies the measure by the growing number of deaths and displaced persons and the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.

The Security Council admitted being “shocked” by reports of “terrible atrocities” committed by Russia in Ukrainian cities such as Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol, and at the Kramatorsk railway station and expressed concern about the violation of international law.

Another factor behind the suspension is referred to in the resolution as Russia’s “indifference” to OAS’s “calls” to withdraw its forces from Ukraine.

With Russia, the OAS has 72 permanent observers who can attend all public meetings of its General Assembly and Permanent Council, among others. These countries cooperate with the organization in training programs, experts, equipment, and financial contributions in exchange.

With information from EFE

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