Council of Europe
Context:
- Russia’s membership in the Council of Europe has been suspended after its invasion of Ukraine.
Issue:
- Russia has launched a full-blown attack on Ukraine, with Russian forces entering the Obolon district, which is less than 10 km away from Central Kyiv – the government’s seat of power.
Resolution against Russia’s position on Ukraine:
- India abstained on a US-sponsored UN Security Council resolution that “deplores in the strongest terms” Russia’s “aggression” against Ukraine, with New Delhi saying dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes.
- The resolution was presented by the US and Albania, and co-sponsored by several other nations.
- The Council’s resolution reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.
- It demanded that Russia “shall immediately, completely, and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders”.
India Abstaining from Vote:
- India did not endorse the harsh language used in the resolution condemning Russia’s actions. It wants to maintain a balance between the Western bloc led by the US, and Russia, since it has strategic partners on both sides.
About the Council of Europe:
- The Council of Europe is an international organization founded in the wake of World War II to uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe.
- Founded in 1949 (Treaty of London (1949)), it has 46 member states (including all 27 EU members), with a population of approximately 820 million, and operates with an annual budget of approximately 500 million euros.
- Headquarters: Palace of Europe, Strasbourg, France.
Roles and responsibilities:
- The Council of Europe cannot make binding laws, but it does have the power to enforce select international agreements reached by European states on various topics.
Source The Hindu
