Russia's powers in PACE may be annulled if Russia doesn't give up Crimea - PACE resolution
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has reserved the right to annul the powers of the Russian delegation if PACE finds Russia's actions in Ukraine to be in breach of Council of Europe requirements.
An amendment to the text of the resolution on the powers of the Russian delegation adopted by PACE in Strasbourg on Thursday says that PACE reserves the right to annul the powers of the Russian delegation if Russia does not deescalate the conflict and give up the annexation of Crimea.
A total of 101 delegates voted for the amendment and sixty voted against it.
The PACE resolution strips the Russian delegation of its right to vote, participate in the work of the PACE administrative bodies, and take part in election monitoring missions until the end of this year.
Stefan Shennah, a reporter on the issue of the powers of the Russian delegation, earlier confirmed that a decision on extending the sanctions on the Russian delegation may be made in January 2015.
Russia responded to the toughening of the initial resolution by announcing its decision to leave the PACE session, saying it reserves the right to consider its further participation in the work of this organization.
Alexei Pushkov, the head of the Russian delegation, told a press conference the delegation will decide on the expediency of its participation in the work of PACE without haste.