Ariev: Ukrainian delegation could leave PACE if Russia returns
According to the chairman of the Ukrainian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), possible recognition of the powers of the Russian representatives of PACE after elections in the annexed Crimea will mean that this organization "does not respect itself and its own principles."
The probability of withdrawal of the Ukrainian delegation from PACE in case the organization decides to accept the credentials of the Russian delegation after the next elections to the State Duma is "quite high.” This was stated by the head of the Ukrainian delegation, MP Volodymyr Ariev. "There are certain criteria for the Council of Europe and if PACE itself is unwilling to meet these criteria, the question arises: what kind of resolution can advise the organization which does not respect itself and its own principles?" Ariev commented on the matter to Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday, September 13th.
At the same time, Ariev added that Ukrainian deputies will take the final decision on withdrawal only when deciding about issuing the application for confirmation of powers of the Assembly, i.e. at the beginning of 2017.
Two days ago, on September 12th, Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin stated on ICTV that the Ukrainian delegation may no longer participate in PACE in response to the potential recognition of Russian delegation’s authority after the elections to the State Duma, which are to be held on September 18, including in the annexed Crimea. The government of Kyiv deems such elections illegitimate. According to Klimkin, such steps may concern not only PACE, but also other international organizations, such as the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE (OSCE PA) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC).