15 Dec 2017 11:24

Russia, PACE postpone discussing controversial issues - Tolstoy

MOSCOW. Dec 15 (Interfax) - The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the Russian parliamentary delegation have agreed to postpone the discussion of controversial political issues until the Russian delegation returns to the Assembly, State Duma Vice-Speaker Pyotr Tolstoy told reporters after the delegation met with the PACE Presidential Committee in Paris on Thursday.

"We agreed today that we would not discuss what our colleagues call the red lines; we will try to avoid speaking of our differences; we will leave them for an equal and comprehensive discussion which, I am sure, will take place with the participation of Russia at the PACE, among other places, once the relevant amendments and adjustments are made to [PACE] regulations and the current situation, which is totally unacceptable for Russia, is dealt with," Tolstoy said.

"I generally feel positive about the joint work we have done here today," he said.

Tolstoy described their dialogue as "open and frank."