Lavrov said Russia values “the positive contribution” that the Council of Europe has made to resolving humanitarian issues as well as improving Russia’s justice system. Ukraine’s foreign minister unexpectedly cancelled his attendance at the meeting in Finland, expecting the positive vote for Russia. He also said Russia is required to pay all of its outstanding debt to the Council of Europe in order to be reinstated. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who was meeting Lavrov later, said “it is not in our interests” to keep Russia out. “Russia belongs in the Council of Europe — with all of the rights and responsibilities that go with it,” Maas said.

Source: Washington Post May 17, 2019 07:07 UTC