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<p>The decision to adopt rules changes that saw the return of the Russian delegation
to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) in June 2019 was a matter for
the Assembly. Russia's membership of the Council of Europe provides access, valued
by Russian citizens and human rights Non Governmental Organisations, to the European
Court of Human Rights and is one of the few ways available to the international community
to hold Russia to account for its human rights violations.</p><p>The British Government
did not support Russia's unconditional return to PACE. We consistently called on Russia
to fulfil all its obligations as a member state, and to adhere to Council of Europe
standards on human rights, democracy and rule of law. We will continue our efforts
in the Council of Europe to ensure Russia is answerable for its actions. We will also
continue to make clear that we do not and will never recognise Russia's illegal annexation
of Crimea.</p>
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