The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe recently issued a statement in regards to the large number of civilian deaths in the bombing of Qana this past weekend. Ironically, the statement was issued by Sergei Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister.

“The Russian Presidency in the Council of Europe profoundly deplores the mass deaths of civilians in Lebanon caused by Israel????????s attacks, in particular, the death of dozens of residents of Qana, including women and children. On behalf of the Council of Europe we extend our condolences to the leadership and people of Lebanon.

The killings and wounding of innocent civilians of all sides involved as a result of the escalation of tensions in the Middle East represent a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, human rights, including the most important right ???????? the right to life. The Council of Europe, being a guardian of human rights, regards these evident gross violations as unacceptable.

The Council of Europe has always reiterated that the fight against international terrorism should be waged in strict compliance with international law and human rights???????? standards. The Council of Europe is concerned that the recent tragic developments in the Middle East are fraught with provoking further rise in extremism and intolerance thus complicating the dialogue, which is so necessary for restoring peace in this region.”

Have we already forgotten about Chechnya? The statement could just as easily be applied to Russia’s actions towards the secessionist republic which the Kremlin has labeled terrorists. The Russians have similarly bombed indiscriminately and killed countless of Chechen civilians unnecessarily. Given the obvious double-standard, I seriously doubt this will have any impact on Israel.

Russia’s Presidency of the Council of Ministers, more so than of the G8, has and will continue to undermine the authority and mission of the organization: ‘to defend human rights, parliamentary democracy, and the rule of law.’