As Leader of the UK Delegation to the Council of Europe, John has today called for Russia to be suspended from the Council of Europe following the invasion by Russia of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Eastern Ukraine.
John commented: “It cannot be right for a country that has so violated the human rights of citizens of another Council of Europe country to remain a member of that organisation. Today, I asked for and got the support of the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson MP, in seeking this suspension.”
The UK Delegation to the Council of Europe strongly condemns the recognition by Russia of the two rebel-held areas of Donetsk and Luhansk in Eastern Ukraine as independent states. It has also criticised the Council of Europe for what it sees as the mistaken belief that it has no part in the security apparatus of Europe.
The recognition of rebel states
The Russian recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk violates international law and takes away the only legitimate way of resolving the crisis in Eastern Ukraine. The movement of Russian troops into these areas is a mistake which has no justification.
John said: The movement of Russian troops into the area as alleged ‘peacekeepers’ makes a mockery of the term. Russia must withdraw and allow the diplomatic efforts to continue. If it persists, I am calling for Russia to be suspended from the Council of Europe. The territorial integrity of Ukraine must be protected and its internationally agreed borders recognised. The most sensible thing for Russia to do is to reverse its decision.”
The Council of Europe
The Delegation also criticised the Council of Europe. It pointed out that it is one thing to have called for recognition of Ukraine’s borders and for de-escalation of the tensions, but the Council has done nothing to help in combating the current situation. It could, for example, have worked with other organisations such as the OSCE to offer a programme of mediation before the situation got out of hand. It could have taken the view that its best interests were in stopping the rise in human rights cases which will ensue before they actually occurred. Instead, it has done nothing to help in the current situation except to issue warm words.
John added: We need the Council of Europe to take a robust stance to protect the human rights position of the people of Eastern Ukraine and of the serious refugee crisis that will be created. This is an opportunity for the Council to show its real worth in a dreadful situation. The Council has so far appeared powerless to act.”
