Moscow, 22 May: During its presidency of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers Russia intends to devote particular attention to human rights, the implementation of democratic freedoms and also economic development issues, Konstantin Kosachev, the head of the State Duma's International Affairs Committee, has said.

"Russia is ready to act in line with the organization's norms during its presidency," Kosachev said during the opening of a session of PACE's [Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe] economic commission.

[Passage omitted: Russia took over presidency on 18 May]

Kosachev believes that for Russia this is not only an opportunity to show that it is part of Europe, but also a great responsibility. "The presidency in the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers is a serious challenge for Russia," Kosachev said.