RPT-Canada opposes Russia's return to G8 - official
(Repeating to additional subscribers)
Aug 22 (Reuters) - The Canadian government remains opposed to Russia rejoining the group of leading industrialized nations formerly known as the Group of Eight, a move U.S President Donald Trump has said should be considered, an official told reporters on Thursday.
Canadian officials told reporters at a background briefing ahead of this weekend's Group of Seven meeting in France that Canada did not think Russia should be allowed back into the fold.
Russia was dropped from the G8 in 2014 after its invasion of the Ukrainian region of Crimea.
"Russia was not invited to this meeting and the prime minister's position, Canada's position, remains the same as last year when this came up as well. The answer was no," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Trump said on Tuesday it would be "appropriate" to have Russia rejoin what used to be the G8.
Canada's stance echoed opinions put forward by France, Britain and Germany, all of which have rebuffed Trump on the issue. The G7 groups the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada. (Reporting by Kelsey Johnson; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
