PACE CONFIRMS THE RATIFICATION OF THE CREDENTIALS OF THE RUSSIAN DELEGATION

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[12:00 pm] 02 October, 2008

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".