MEPs condemn Russia and insist on monitoring mission

The European Parliament yesterday passed a resolution condemning Russia for its invasion of parts of Georgia last month and called for a monitoring mission to be sent as soon as possible to the conflict area to ensure that the situation returns to normal.

Just two days after an emergency EU summit meeting in Brussels for EU leaders, the European Parliament resolved to support the conclusions of the European Council.

With 549 votes in favour, 68 against and 61 abstentions, the resolution backed the European Council's decision to postpone the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PAC) negotiations until the withdrawal of Russian troops to their position prior to the start of the conflict and called upon the Council and the Commission to review their policy towards Russia.

MEPs also called on Russia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Georgia and to honour all its commitments under the ceasefire agreement, beginning with the complete withdrawal of its troops.

"The European Parliament strongly condemns the recognition by the Russian Federation of the independence of the breakaway Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia," the resolution said.