MADRID — The ***** Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has suspended the Russian Federation from its ranks, effective immediately.

Meeting for a first extraordinary UNWTO General Assembly, UNWTO members debated the suspension of ****** from the organization, as decided by the UNWTO Executive Council at its ********* meeting last month.

According to the UNWTO, the Russian delegation declined to step up and defend its position, and instead announced its withdrawal from UNWTO before the ****** took place.

The Assembly voted in favor of suspension, far exceeding the two-third majority required. The decision is effective immediately, while voluntary withdrawal is only effective one year after a member submits an official communication through the appropriate channels.

“UNWTO’s Members have sent a clear message: Tourism is a pillar of peace and international friendship, and Members of UNWTO must uphold these values or face consequences, with no exceptions. This ********* General Assembly shows that ******’s actions are indefensible and contrary to the very principles of UNWTO and of international governance,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.