Organization of American States votes 25-0 to suspend Russia's status as permanent observer

WASHINGTON: The Organization of American States has voted 25 to 0 to suspend Russia's status as permanent observer at the organization, St. Lucia's Ambassador to the OAS Elizabeth Darius-Clarke announced after the vote.

"The Permanent Council hereby declares the draft resolution Suspension of the Status of the Russian Federation as a Permanent Observer of the Organization of American States approved," Darius-Clark, whose country chairs the Permanent Council in the April-June period, said.

The results of the vote were 25 in favor versus 0 against, with 8 abstentions and one nation (Nicaragua) being absent.

Following the vote, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said he was denied the opportunity to speak during the meeting either before or after voting on the OAS document.

At the time of publication, Sputnik did not get a response from the OAS on its request for comment about why Antonov was not allowed to speak. Antonov denounced the OAS decision and called it a grave mistake.