Viacheslav Volodin: the Council of Europe closed itself from dialogue and eradicated the principles underlying any parliamentary structure

During a speech at the plenary meeting, the leader of the LDPR faction, Vladimir Zhirinovskii Zhirinovsky
Vladimir Volfovich , declared that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is degrading, and noted the importance of the Third Meeting of Speakers of Eurasian Countries’ Parliaments in Turkey.

The chairman of the State Duma, Viacheslav Volodin Volodin
Vyacheslav Victorovich The Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation of the eighth convocation. Elected in single mandate constituency № 163 (Saratov constituency - Saratov Oblast) , said that the meeting was “indeed a very interesting new format”.

“Our colleagues from foreign parliaments show great interest in him. There were representatives of Europe, Asia, and the number was unprecedented,” said Viacheslav Volodin. He is confident that the increase in the number of participants of the Meeting compared to last year indicates the willingness of participants to use this format to discuss problems and issues.

“What is very important is the format of an open dialogue. The discussions were heated, interesting because there are problematic issues that are perceived differently by countries. However we managed to find the tone that did not allow us to go into the conflict, but at the same time to discuss these issues,” said the Chairman of the State Duma.

“This is something that we cannot find in PACE. Because the Council of Europe has closed itself from the dialogue, it has absolutely eradicated the principles that underlie any parliamentary structure,” said Viacheslav Volodin.

“As a result, it has become a repressive mechanism, that is used against countries that have a different point of view, and as a result, we now have no opportunity in PACE to discuss issues,” he said.

“Most likely, this is the reason that everyone began to look for new formats of dialogue. And such a dialogue platform has appeared, and, in the opinion of many, it has a future,” said the Chairman of the State Duma.

He reminded that colleagues from the Republic of Korea, Turkey, and other countries proposed to create a permanent secretariat of the organization.

“We will see how this format will develop. Perhaps he will replace PACE in some aspects,” concluded Viacheslav Volodin.

The Third Meeting of Speakers of Eurasian Countries’ Parliaments was held in Antalya on October 9.