PACE rejects move to strip Russia of its powers

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has turned down a proposal to suspend Russia's voting rights in the organisation. The initiative was put forward by 24 PACE representatives who were unhappy over Russia's role in the South Ossetia confli

The voting went six to one in favour of Moscow.

The lawmakers have been holding urgent debates on the aftermath of the war.

The resolution also included criticism of both Russia and Georgia accusing them of violating organisation rules.

PACE delegates have encouraged continued dialogue between the two countries.

 Fact box

– Russia has been a PACE and the Council of Europe member since 1996
 – Since then Russia has ratified 56 and signed 15 main documents of the Council of Europe
 – Russia is one of the main sponsors of the Council of Europe along with Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy. Russia’s annual membership fee of more than 24 million euros constitutes 12 per cent of the Council of Europe budget.