Russian delegation of politicians refused to go to the USA

Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko officially announced her refusal to travel to the United States.

This decision was made because issued by her US visa with restrictions.

"The decision of the US authorities is a gross violation of international law, its own obligations to the international community, casts doubt on the expediency of holding international events in the United States and is unacceptable to us," the statement said.

Such “flawed visa conditions” are unacceptable, Matvienko said, adding that “the participation of the Russian delegation in the work of the World Conference of Speakers is not possible.”

Matvienko also accused the United States of “obstructing the free exchange of opinions and not wanting (maybe afraid) to hear points of view that do not coincide with the position of Washington”, and also said that the sanctions against parliamentarians for their 21st century look wildness and reminiscent of the Middle Ages.

Valentina Matvienko planned to take part in the World Conference of Parliament Speakers 31 August - 2 September 2015 at Headquarters UN in New York, as well as in the meeting of women-speakers, which will be held there 29 — 30 August. The invitation to these events was sent to the Matvienko Inter-Parliamentary Union, which works closely with UNbut not part of this organization.

24 August, there were reports that the US refused Matvienko in the entry visa. The US Embassy denied them, stating that Matvienko could be granted a visa with restrictions.

Valentina Matvienko is included in the US sanctions list because of the role of Russia in the Ukrainian crisis.

This is not the first time that Russian MPs are denied a visa.

In July, 2015, the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied entry visas to State Duma Speaker Sergei Naryshkin and several deputies who are subject to EU sanctions. After Finland did not issue a visa to Naryshkin, the entire Russian delegation refused to participate in this event.