17 September 1993

Doc. 6919

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

on Russian forces

presented by Mr ATKINSON and others

1.       Russian forces are present in a number of Council of Europe member states, special guests and European non-member states. The reasons are various and include peace-keeping for the CIS or awaiting to withdraw, and the suggested protection of ethnic-Russians.

2.       In some areas such a continuing presence has neither the agreement of the government of the country concerned, nor the approval of the population. Apart from contravening the principles of the CSCE, this situation represents a potential source of tension and possible conflict.

3.       The Assembly is concerned that the continuing presence of Russian forces on foreign European soil without the wholehearted agreement of the countries concerned will represent a major obstacle to acceptance of Russian membership of the Council of Europe. It therefore requests that a report on the situation be prepared for a debate to take place during the January 1994 part-session.

Signed:

Atkinson, F. Probst, Ternak, Astgeirsdottir, Willoch,

Büchel, Toshev, Hint, Talay, Gottardo, Ferrarini, Ghesquière,

Ruffy, Agnelli, Durrieu, Brito, Saudargas