Maria Zakharova to Vestnik Kavkaza: Russia wants to be a fullfledged member of PACE

Russia has always wanted to be fullfledged and active participate in the activities of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), official spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, told Vestnik Kavkaza, answering the question about how Russian views the fact that at its April session, PACE adopted a resolution, in which it called on Russian side to form its delegation, as well as pay contribution to the Council of Europe's budget. Only Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavel Klimkin spoke against restoration of Russia's voting right in PACE.

Zakharova stressed that Russia's participation in the activities of PACE should be based solely on principles of partnership and equality. "Full membership of Russian representatives in the work of PACE implies payment of contributions, as well as work in a format valid for all other representatives of member-countries of the organization. Violation of principles of equality when it comes to Russia also implies that we won't have to pay contributions."

Zakharova noted that Russian side has repeatedly stated that it's ready to work in PACE only as a fullfledged member of the organization. “Presence at meetings without the right to vote and without the right to work out decisions is unacceptable. We want to ensure that our membership is fullfledged. Only in this case Russia will bear its share of obligations, including financial,” Maria Zakharova said.