Resolution 1631 (2008)

Reconsideration on substantial grounds of previously ratified credentials of the Russian delegation

Author(s): Parliamentary Assembly

Origin - Assembly debate on 1 October 2008 (33rd Sitting) (see Doc. 11726, report of the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee), rapporteur: Mr Gross; and Doc. 11728, opinion of the Committee on Rules of Procedure, Immunities and Institutional Affairs, rapporteur: Mr Greenway). Text adopted by the Assembly on 1 October 2008 (33rd Sitting).

1. On 12 September 2008, 24 members of the Parliamentary Assembly signed a motion for a resolution requesting the reconsideration on substantial grounds of previously ratified credentials of the Russian delegation, under Rule 9.1 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and, in particular, “on the grounds of serious violations of the basic principles of the Council of Europe mentioned in the Preamble to the Statute” in relation to “the conflict opposing two member states of the Council of Europe in the South Caucasus”.

2. The Assembly considers that the recent war between Russia and Georgia, two member states of the Organisation, constitutes in itself a serious violation of the Statute of the Council of Europe (ETS No. 1) and of their obligations and commitments as member states of the Council of Europe.

3. However, the Assembly finds it essential at this stage to ensure that dialogue and building of mutual trust can be pursued between the two sides, but also between each of them and our Assembly. In order for this dialogue to be constructive and meaningful, it is essential that Russia implement the European Union brokered ceasefire agreement and in particular that it withdraw its troops to positions ex ante the war and allow the deployment of observers from the European Union and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

4. The Assembly, having examined the matter, decides to confirm the ratification of the credentials of the Russia delegation and resolves that it can be seized again of the matter at any moment in accordance with its rules and that a motion under Rule 9.1 may be tabled again.