STRASBOURG (Sputnik), Daria Chernyshova — Russia has decided to stay out of the PACE sessions until 2016, after the Council of Europe's consultative body voted in January to prolong its restrictions on Russia's right to vote until the spring session in April 2015, citing a lack of improvement in the Ukraine crisis.
PACE summer session is perceived as a deadline for the Council of Europe's lawmakers to decide on the annulment of the previously ratified credentials of the Russian delegation.
The report, prepared by head of PACE monitoring committee Stefan Schennach, suggests that Russian credentials not be annulled, so that a dialogue with Russia may be maintained, but retains the current sanctions on the Russian delegation, including the loss of its voting rights.
In January 2015 resolution, the assembly promised to review its decision not to annul Russian credentials at the summer session. The main provision cited was the progress made on the Ukrainian reconciliation, as stipulated in the Minsk ceasefire deal that was reached between the conflicting sides in September and again in February.
Despite questioning Russia's commitment to the Council of Europe’s principles, PACE lawmakers have said they were willing to cooperate with Russia, stressing the dialogue was essential for solving the Ukraine crisis.
Alexei Pushkov, the long-time head of Russia’s delegation to PACE, stated earlier in June that the Russian delegation would continue refraining from participation in the Assembly, should it be stripped of voting powers once again in January.
