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2.1 Seven New Europe members of PACE walk out in protest against Russia’s readmission
The delegations of Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovakia, Estonia and Georgia all walked out of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in protest of Russia's reinstatement on June 26.
The delegations of Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine and all walked out of a Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) session to “consult with the government” following the decision to reinstate Russia’s delegation earlier this week.
"The unconditional restoration of the Russian Delegation’s rights without the Russian Federation honouring any of the Assembly’s numerous demands runs counter to the core values of the Council of Europe and its Statute," reads a joint statement released by the group of delegations.
“The future of the Council of Europe is under threat as it is in danger of losing the trust of the people it stands to protect. We return home to consult with our governments and parliaments about the joint actions in the next sessions,” the spokeswoman said.
The crisis was sparked by the decision on June 25 to readmit Russia to the Council. Russia had been suspended following the annexation of Crimea in 2014. With elections for a new general secretary coming up, Russia was threatening to quit the Council completely, something that many members of the Council don't want to see.
The decision has split the Council down the middle. Almost all of the western European members voted overwhelming to allow Russia back in. However, those countries close to the Russian border voted against readmission. Many of those countries have suffered directly from Russian aggression, with Ukraine and the Baltic states standing out.
Still the assembly voted in favour of a report that will allow the return of the delegation from Russia with 118 for, 62 against, and 10 abstentions. Ukraine’s delegation protested the decision loudly but were unable to convince their
11 RUSSIA Country Report July 2019 www.intellinews.com
