Strasbourg, 29 June (RFE/RL) - The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe today deplored the refusal by governments to sanction Russia over Chechnya, insisting on the possibility of Moscow's suspension from the organization. In a resolution, the assembly concluded that Russia's efforts to address reported human rights abuses in Chechnya have yet to "produce convincing and tangible results."
The assembly renewed calls for the Committee of Ministers to consider "the eligibility of the Russian Federation for continued membership of the Council of Europe."
The assembly found "totally unacceptable" the ministers' failure to denounce the Russian government's handling of the conflict, which it says has resulted in "grave human rights violations."
Last April, the assembly stripped Russia of its voting rights and called for its suspension. Many speakers at today's session said Russia has done little to address concerns of the international community.
The assembly renewed calls for the Committee of Ministers to consider "the eligibility of the Russian Federation for continued membership of the Council of Europe."
The assembly found "totally unacceptable" the ministers' failure to denounce the Russian government's handling of the conflict, which it says has resulted in "grave human rights violations."
Last April, the assembly stripped Russia of its voting rights and called for its suspension. Many speakers at today's session said Russia has done little to address concerns of the international community.