STRASBOURG (Sputnik), Daria Chernyshova – The absence of the Russian delegation at the PACE winter session was discussed at the meting of the bureau of the assembly traditionally held prior to the start of the session.
"We discussed this critical situation with the Russian credentials… Almost everyone agrees that we should use the year of 2016 to find a way together [out of this crisis]," Stefan Schennach told Sputnik.
He added that both sides need to show steps toward resolution of the crisis.
A PACE resolution in April 2014 deprived the Russian delegation of its voting rights, following Crimea’s reunification with Russia. Russian lawmakers were barred from participating in PACE's three key bodies — its bureau, its presidential committee and the standing committee.
The 2014 resolution curbing Russia’s rights in PACE was renewed last April, whereas a reconfirmation of the delegation's credentials was slated for the winter 2016 session.
