A+ A-

Trump: "much more appropriate" to have Russia in G7

WASHINGTON, Aug 20 (KUNA) -- US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that it is "much more appropriate" to have Russia in the G7 and that it should be the G8, adding "I could certainly see it being the G8 again." Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump said "we talk about Russia because I've gone to numerous G7 meetings." He added "I think it's much more appropriate to have Russia in," and that he would support that.
Trump will head to France for the G7 summit, which will also include leaders from France, Italy, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany.
Russia's participation in what was then the G8 was cancelled following the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the club reverted back to being the G7 comprised solely of democratic open economies.
Trump has repeatedly blamed former president Barack Obama for Russia's exclusion from the club and even blamed him for Russia annexing Crimea. (end) si.mb