PACE calls on Russia to cancel recognition of independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) calls Russia to cancel its recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and "give complete respect to independence and territorial integrity of Georgia, including the principle of inviolability of its borders."

This is a quote from the resolution adopted today within the main topic of the autumn session, started in Strasbourg on September 29, "Consequences of Georgian-Russian War". 93 deputies have voted for the resolution, while 27 deputies have voted against it.

We remind you that yesterday, on October 1, the PACE refused to support the initiative of a group of parliamentarians to revise already confirmed powers of the Russian delegation in the context of the August events in South Ossetia. 114 parliamentarians voted for confirmation of the powers, 20 were against and 10 refrained.

The RIA "Novosti" reports that the Assembly has voted against the tough amendment lodged by Cyprian MP Christos Purguridis, according to which Russia, in default to cancel the decision to annul its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, would have found itself under a threat to be deprived of its vote at the next PACE session to be held in January.