– supports an exclusion of ICOM Russia from the GC in Prague – ICOM Russia should not have seat and vote.

– We nevertheless support colleagues from ICOM Russia to participate at the GC as just regular members without functions or representation.

ICOM Russia is state institution we cant decide otherwise, although the individual members aspect is terribly unfortunate (and that’s maybe the next round of planning that should be done in non-institutional level).

I would suggest although that ICOM would react on this topic before the Prague meetings (which was stated in last newsletter), it would ease the situations, when some countries leave the meeting halls etc. Of course the visa’s are banned already from some EU countries, fight traffic is inadequate from Russia etc.

At the moment there is no other way than to ask for the exclusion of ICOM Russia from ICOM. As ICOM Russia is today, it is not possible for it to be a member of ICOM! […]

ICOM must show that freedom and democracy are our most important values.

I think being suspended in an organization does not match the feeling of a bomb falling overhead when the aggressor does not even choose where to hit.

These actions, tolerated by Russian and Belarussian governments, are already investigated by the Hague Tribunal as war crimes.

2. ICOM Russia and ICOM Belarus will be re-admitted as full members of ICOM after folding the weapons in Ukraine and the end of the war.

We have been cooperating with colleagues from Russia for many years and many of them do not agree with the official position, but in this case this is not about the individual members of ICOM Russia this is about the Public non governmental structure that should be, first of all,  the voice  of the democratic principles of ICOM!

If the interests of ICOM Russia do not coincide with the interests of the international museum community and want to remain loyal to their government, ICOM Russia  must decide for themselves on the suspension of ICOM membership.

In this regard, I have a question, can the National Committee, which does not take into account European democratic values and the position of other National Committees, use the benefits of ICOM as participation in the General Conference in Prague or free admission to many European museums?

I am in favour of demanding a clear statement from ICOM Russia and this is the first step to start a dialogue. Please, don’t exclude no one, this is not the way our organisation should solve problems.

I am adding a part of the statement of the Russian scientists and scientific journalists on FB:

We respect Ukrainian statehood, which is based on really working democratic institutions. We treat the European choice of our neighbours with understanding. We are convinced that all problems in relations between our countries can be resolved peacefully.

Having unleashed the war, Russia has condemned itself to international isolation, to the position of a pariah country. This means that we scientists will no longer be able to do our work properly: scientific research is inconceivable without full cooperation with colleagues from other countries. The isolation of Russia from the world means a further cultural and technological degradation of our country, in the complete absence of positive prospects. War with Ukraine is a step to nowhere.

We are bitterly aware that our country, which made a decisive contribution to the victory over Nazism, has now become the instigator of a new war on the European continent. We demand an immediate halt to all military operations directed against Ukraine. We demand respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Ukrainian state. We demand peace for our countries.

Members supported Kaja Širok opinion and added some opininons and suggestions, for example:

“The affirmative letter to ICOM Russia, saying we do expect they will do their best on safeguarding threatened heritage in war zones (in another country) is stronger message, from my perspective. And we here in the SE Europe, in conflicts 1991-1995 do have many positive examples on this.” (Darko Babić, Croatia)

“Culture is one of the most important channels for better mutual understanding. Our activities must rise above daily political events. ICOM SEE is just the best example of it.” (Slavko Spasić, Serbia)

“If I understand correctly the conversation, our colleagues from ICOM Russia have clearly stated their disapproval of Putin’s war. If this is the case, I strongly agree that they need our moral support. Exclusion would only have a meaning if they have been proactive in supporting their government’s murderous actions.« (Philippos Mazarakis, Greece)

“Heritage always needs support, understanding and networking, even more in the time of emergencies. It is a global unifying force, beyond the politics.  Therefore I believe that any moves after exclusion are unnecessary. We need to distinguish between different segments of society and politics and support all our colleagues.” (Tanja Roženbergar, Slovenia)

We published our statement on our web page (https://muzeji.lv/lv/specialistiem/latvijas-muzeju-biedriba-ir-kopa-ar-ukrainu-pauzot-solidaritati-cina-par-neatkaribu-un-teritorialo-nedalamibu)  and also on Facebook.