The 47 member States agreed on Friday at a foreign Ministers ‘ meeting in Helsinki on a compromise. Thus, the threat of withdrawal of Russia from the Euro seems to be the Council of Europe averted.

The compromise is to allow Russia the return, in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe with full voting rights. At the same time, a new system of Sanctions for violations of the principles of the important Institution for the protection of human rights in Europe is to be created.

As a reaction to the annexation of the Crimea, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Russia had withdrawn before five years, the right to vote and other rights. Moscow had responded with a Boycott of the Assembly and the settings of your contributions, which make up ten percent of the total budget.

voting rights

According to the request of the Minister of foreign Affairs to participate in the next meeting at the end of June, all member States, including Russia, and the successor of Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland to choose from. get back This means that before and would be likely to receive in the same session – Russia the right to vote back. It would be the first Time that sanctions against Russia would be made because of the annexation of the Crimea back.

The German foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, had made before the meeting in Helsinki, for a stay of Russia in the Council of Europe strongly. “Russia belongs in the Council of Europe,” he said.

In Moscow, is considered the compromise of Helsinki as a success. But there are also opponents of an agreement. The Ukrainian foreign Minister Pawel Klimkin said his participation in the Ministerial meeting for the first Time in many years. The Ukraine is because of the conflict with Russia strongly opposed that the country participates as a full member in the Federation of States.

Cassis: the Council of Europe must

integrate For the Switzerland Federal Council, took part Ignazio Cassis, at the foreign Ministers ‘ meeting of the Council of Europe. Switzerland trade fair the Council of Europe and its values of great importance in, whether it be when respect for democracy and the rule of law, be it human rights, said Cassis on Friday in Helsinki. The Euro had to the Council of Europe work in the future in an integrated way.

The Council is faced with institutional and financial deficits, further explained the Swiss foreign Minister at the Ministerial meeting of the Council of Europe. He think of the difficulties with the participation of Russia, and budget cuts.

The Vision of Switzerland to the Council of Europe of the future is an inclusive organization with the full participation of all member States, financed by all of these countries.

The Council of Europe, based in Strasbourg, has the task to watch over the human rights in its 47 member States. He acts independently of the EU. (Dec/sda)

Created: 17.05.2019, 13:09 PM