On PACE's decision to restore Russia's voting rightsPrague Watchdog deeply regrets the decision made by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on January 25, 2001 which has restored voting rights of
the Russian delegation.
As the decision is motivated politically and de facto disregards protection of human rights and democratic values, the cornerstones of the Council of Europe, it has dealt a serious blow to the credibility of the Council.
It has also sent a wrong signal that a country repeatedly failing to keep its obligations stemming from its membership and PACE's recommendations can continue the policy it has been using up to now.
Prague Watchdog expresses its admiration to the PACE members who did not succumb to the political "necessity", and as an organisation based in Europe calls on other European institutions and countries to start making effective moves which would help put an end to the fighting, bring war criminals regardless their nationality to impartial courts or a tribunal for just trial, and enable Chechens and other nations in Chechnya to live in peace.
Prague, January 26, 2001
|
