You're reading: Russia’s powers in PACE may be annulled if Russia doesn’t give up Crimea

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.

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.