Council of Europe steps back from sanctions on Russia

MOSCOW, Jan 20: The Council of Europe renewed sharp criticism of Russia's war in Chechnya today but stepped back from sanctions, instead urging acting President Vladimir Putin to accept international observers in the zone, reports AFP.

Lord Russell-Johnston, speaking on his return to Moscow from a tour of Chechnya, said he saw no reason to penalise Russia despite serious breaches of its commitments to resolve internal and international disputes peacefully.

He renewed his appeals for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of political negotiations of Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov, balancing it with a call on the leader of the breakaway republic to free hostages.

After five days of talks with senior Russian and regional officials the Council of Europe delegation stressed the need for constructive engagement with Moscow, but conceded there was strong pressure from some quarters for action against Russia.

"We are not proposing to recommend any such action as far as I know," said Russell-Johnston, referring to the possibility of suspending Russia's membership of the 41-nation parliamentary assembly.

However, "it is something that continues to be an option and will continue to be an option so long as the conflict goes on," he told a press conference.

Russia was in "complete breach" of undertakings made on joining the Council of Europe in February 1996, he said, adding "this is a serious question" for the human rights and democracy body.

During talks in the Kremlin the delegation had urged Putin to accept some form of foreign presence in the neighbouring Russian republic of Ingushetia and northern Chechnya.

The move would help meet Russian complaints that disinformation was being spread about Russia's conduct of the conflict, and allow easier verification of claims by the respective sides.

"Putin said that he would be open to consider, and to possibly implement, any suggestion that the Council of Europe may make" on the issue of monitors, Russell-Johnston said.

"I think that that represents a good opportunity for us to make some suggestions for change for the better," he said.

Asked on how firm a commitment Putin had made on the issue of observers in the region, Russell-Johnston said: "I think that it was a pretty firm commitment myself."