MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The PACE first stripped the Russian delegation of its voting rights in spring 2014, in response to Russia's reunification with Crimea.
"It's hard to imagine Russia withdrawing from the Council of Europe, as such. But I can imagine a situation, whereby Russia will not participate in the activities of the Parliamentary Assembly for quite a long time — if the restrictions [against Russia's delegation] are renewed, " Alexei Pushkov said at a press conference in Moscow.
The PACE is likely to restrict Russia's rights, but not annul them, he added.
In light of Western accusations of Russian alleged involvement in the Ukrainian conflict, the PACE adopted several resolutions limiting the rights of the Russian delegation in the Assembly.
