NOTE: Boris Yeltsin announced on June 19, that he would not be attending the G-7 Summit but would remain in Russia to prepare for the final round of elections on July 3. Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin will attend in his place.

On this page: Economic Objectives | Political and Global Issues Objectives

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ECONOMIC OBJECTIVES

1. FULL PARTICIPATION IN THE ECONOMIC DISCUSSIONS OF THE G-7

   As in the past, Russia will seek further concessions from the Seven for inclusion in the main economic meetings at the Summit. Although the Russians will participate fully in the political and "global issues" discussions in Lyon, Chernomyrdin will attempt to capitalize on Western fears for Yeltsin's re-election prospects. Larger membership for the Russians has been presented by Yeltsin as a means of Western endorsement of his candidacy.

2. Support From The Seven For Russian Membership in the WTO

   Chernomyrdin may seek to have the Seven include wording in the communique that would signal eligibility for membership in the WTO.

3. SUPPORT FROM THE SEVEN FOR RUSSIAN MEMBERSHIP IN THE OECD

   Russia has just recently applied for full membership in the OECD and could well seek G-7 approval of this initiative. Previously Russia has enjoyed special observer status with this organization, a benefit which was previously arranged by the G-7. Russia could now expect the Seven to endorse this new bid for greater membership status.

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POLITICAL AND GLOBAL ISSUES OBJECTIVES

1. AVOID ADVERSE MENTION OF RUSSIAN ACTIVITIES IN COMMUNIQUE

   Russia will attempt to prevent the Seven from mentioning Chechnya in the final communique. As the war was very unpopular at home and abroad, Russian leaders would rather not remind their voters, or the world, about this military debacle.

2. GAIN FAVOURABLE MENTION FOR ACHIEVEMENTS

   Russia will seek favourable comments from the Seven for the cooperation that it has offered regarding peacekeeping in Bosnia and UN reform. International recognition of Russia's growing role in world events is crucial to the Russian delegation. As Russian leaders are seeking to stimulate Western (and indeed domestic) recognition of Russia's great power status, the Russians will look for communique wording that conveys a sense of their importance and equality of status amongst the other major powers.