OREANDA-NEWS. The return of Russia to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe opens up opportunities for an open and honest dialogue, including those related to the Ukrainian crisis. This opinion was expressed by PACE Chairman Liliane Mori Pascie, speaking at the opening of the organization’s autumn session.

“Even in the case of the most difficult crises, we must not close the door for dialogue, we must communicate and exchange views”, she said. “The fact that the Russian delegation regained its place in the assembly allows us to work with the Russian parliament. We can discuss topics of common interest with them, as well as topics of concern to us". Speaking about the "underlying causes of the crisis that arose in the Council of Europe" in the context of events in Ukraine, Pasquier stressed that the organization’s position remains unchanged. “We look forward to an open and honest dialogue with Russian colleagues”, she added.

The PACE President expressed regret at the absence of the Ukrainian delegation, noting that "all 47 countries have committed themselves to participate in the organization" and that "this is not a matter of choice or desire", but a basic obligation. She also urged not to take the decisions of the Committee of Ministers, voiced in Helsinki, as victories or defeat of specific parties in geopolitical battles, recalling that their main goal is to protect human rights and ensure dialogue.

The Russian delegation to PACE in April 2014, due to events in Ukraine and the reunification of Crimea with Russia, was deprived of the right to vote, participate in monitoring missions and be part of the governing bodies. On June 27, 2019 all the powers of the Russian delegation were confirmed in full and without exceptions, after which the parliamentarians of the Russian Federation began full-fledged work in PACE.