Strasbourg - When the PACE session opened on Jan. 26 morning, Robert Walter (UK) said PACE should contest the powers of the Russian delegation and extend the sanctions imposed on it in April 2014.
In accordance with the regulations, a proposal is considered to be adopted if it is backed by at least thirty people from five countries.
The session chair suggested that PACE decide on the matter and the decision was adopted, an Interfax correspondent has reported.
Among the arguments in favor of the idea of extending the sanctions against the Russian delegation was the statement that Russia is seriously violating the fundamental principles of the Council of Europe, is not fulfilling the obligations it assumed when it entered the Council of Europe, and that the territories of a foreign country are being occupied with support from its parliament members.
It was stated at the meeting that members of national delegations whose powers are contested can temporarily participate in sessions like the other PACE members until a decision is made on their powers, but members of such delegations cannot vote on procedures relating to their powers.
