International security/Without Russia

Sergey Naryshkin has confirmed that Russia was leaving the PACE until the end of 2015 and added that next year the country might cease its membership in the Council of Europe.

“If the Russian delegation doesn’t retain all of its powers – and most importantly the right to vote – there will be no reason for us to work in PACE under such conditions,” the State Duma speaker was quoted as saying by Interfax. “It is possible that the issue of our membership in the Council of Europe will be raised after this year comes to an end.”

Duma chief hints at Russia’s exit from Council of Europe