PACE CONFIRMS THE RATIFICATION OF THE CREDENTIALS OF THE RUSSIAN DELEGATION
Support A1+!The PACE decided to confirm the ratification of the credentials of the Russian delegation, while reminding that it can be seized again of the matter "at any moment".
The parliamentarians considered that the recent war between Russia and Georgia constitutes in itself "a serious violation of the Statute of the Council of Europe" and of their obligations and commitments as member states. However, following the proposals by the rapporteur Andreas Gross (Switzerland, SOC), parliamentarians said it is essential to ensure that dialogue and mutual building of trust can be pursued between the two sides, but also between each of them and our Assembly. In order for this dialogue to be constructive and meaningful, they said, it is essential that Russia "implements the EU-brokered cease-fire agreement" and in particular withdraws its troops to positions ex ante the war and allows the deployment of EU and OSCE monitors.
On 12 September 2008, 24 members of the Assembly signed a motion asking for the reconsideration of previously ratified credentials of the Russian delegation for a resolution on substantial grounds under Rule 9 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and, in particular, "on the grounds of serious violations of the basic principles of the Council of Europe mentioned in the Preamble to the Statute" in relation with "the conflict opposing two member states of the Council of Europe in the South Caucasus".
