OECD halts Russia, Belarus from any participation

By Tuba Sahin

ANKARA (AA) - The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) halted Russia and Belarus from any participation in its organization over Moscow's war on Ukraine.

"Further to its previous statements and decisions since 24 February 2022 in response to Russia’s large-scale aggression against Ukraine, the OECD Council has decided to immediately suspend the participation of Russia and Belarus in OECD bodies," the Paris-based group said in a statement on Tuesday.

OECD will develop proposals to “further strengthen support to the democratically elected government of Ukraine, including to support recovery and reconstruction,” the statement said.

On Feb. 25, the OECD said it decided to formally terminate the accession process with Russia, which was postponed in 2014 when Russia had annexed Crimea.

The organization had decided to close its Moscow office and stop all invitations to Russia at ministerial levels.

The OECD is a global policy forum working in 100 countries to promotes policies to preserve individual liberty and improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.