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Russia is the biggest member of the Council of Europe. Not only geographically, but also population wise. During my presidency I visited Moscow twice. I’m very happy, actually, to see that the climate, the atmosphere of the relations between Russian Federation and the Council of Europe is much more positive, comparing with previous years.

Russian’s ratification of the 14-th protocol was very positive sign and it was very much welcomed by all of us.  It also cleared the way for the beginning of the negotiations regarding the accession of the European Union to the European Convention on Human Rights, which was made legally possible after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. And Russia started to cooperate on many other areas with us, particularly in the situation of the North Caucasus. It was difficult to report with resolutions.  And Russian delegation fully supported us. It also created very positive atmosphere within the Parliamentary Assembly. 

And I have been working very close with the Russian delegation from the very beginning, since I joined the Parliamentary Assembly in January 2003.  There are, of course, issues, that we disagree or there are requirements of the council of Europe, that Russia should fulfill as the member state, as it committed when it became member. But.. What I believe is we should work, we should continue working as partners, with mutual respect,  without double standards, I think this is what Russia is actually asking for. Russia is asking for fair treatment. As many new members we should avoid double standards. That is what Russia also needs.  

In the future good relations will be much better. I’m also very happy that Russian Federation is fully cooperating with other international organizations, particularly with the European Union right now. I hope Russia will be member of the WTO in the near future. NATO should also work with Russia in close cooperation.

We need both Russia and NATO. In the future, Russia is not the enemy of the euro-atlantic organization. Russia is our partner and it should be seen as a country for cooperation in many areas – not only in the energy sector, but in many other areas.