Ukraine should invite PACE to observe elections – Assembly president

Ukraine, as a member of the Council of Europe, has the commitment to invite PACE to observe presidential and parliamentary elections.

President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Liliane Maury Pasquier stated this in a statement that was published on the website of the Assembly.

“I have to highlight that Ukraine, as a member of the Council of Europe, is under the monitoring procedure of the Assembly and has the commitment to invite the Assembly to observe presidential and parliamentary elections,” she said.

She also expressed regret at the Ukrainian Parliament’s decision to withdraw its invitation to the Assembly to observe the 21 July early parliamentary elections.

At the same time, the president said that she was ready to discuss, to improve relations between the Assembly and the Ukrainian Parliament and its PACE delegation.

As Ukrinform reported, on June 25, PACE adopted a resolution envisaging Russia's unconditional return to the Assembly. The document amends PACE rules and excludes the possibility of depriving any delegation of voting rights even if the credentials of members of the delegation are appealed or revised. They also cannot be deprived of the right to speak and to have representation in the Assembly and its structures.

The Ukrainian delegation suspended its work in the summer session as a sign of protest.

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