OREANDA-NEWS. The Council of Europe is closely following discussions around amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation and intends to develop a dialogue on this topic with Russian representatives. This was announced on Friday by CE Secretary General Maria Peichinovich-Burich, speaking at a special St. Petersburg international legal online forum.

In her opinion, the interaction between Russia and the Council of Europe may be useful in various areas affected by the amendments. "That's why I initiated a dialogue with Russian colleagues in order to make greater progress in our discussion. I hope that this will benefit Russia", said the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to citizens on March 25, said that the date for a constitutional amendment should be postponed due to the spread of the coronavirus. According to him, it is necessary to evaluate how the situation will develop and, based on the recommendations of doctors and other specialists, make a decision on a new voting day.