Strasbourg  - Ahead of a Council of Europe debate over the Russian-Georgia conflict, a dispute emerted Monday between factions over whether to restrict the Russian deputies' participation.

A number of leftist and liberal deputies argued for punitive action against Russian deputies, but pro-Russian sentiment also appeared to be materializing in the assembly.

A key issue in the dispute concerns the commitment expressed by both Russia and Georgia, when they gained membership in the 47-member body, to settle their conflicts by peaceful means.

Speaking against the Russians, Britain's Labour deputy Denis MacShane said that Russia had destroyed Georgia's territorial integrity.

Strasbourg - The Council of Europe on Monday called for free access by aid organizations to the conflict zones of Georgia, while offering its help in seeking a solution to the conflict between Georgia and Russia.

"I urge once again all parties to immediately enter into a ceasefire," said Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the 47-nation Council of Europe, prior to his departure to Georgia along with council Secretary General Terry Davis as part of diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

Strasbourg - Wearing a red star - the maligned sym

Strasbourg, France - All flights starting and landing in Europe will be included in an EU Emissions Trade System from 2012, following a vote in the European Parliament on Tuesday.

Strasbourg, France- The European Court of Human Rights Thursday ordered Russia to pay 10,000 euros (15,800) dollars in compensation to an army recruit who collapsed while performing 370 knee-bends.

The Strasbourg-based court found the 26-year-old suffered long- term damage to his health as a result of harsh physical training that amounted to cruel and inhuman treatment.

In 2001, the recruit was ordered to perform the knee-bends as punishment for failing to clean his dormitory properly. A doctor who was called in to treat him after he collapsed, diagnosed a spinal injury, which left him with a limp.

Strasbourg, France  - The European Parliament on Wednesday approved long-awaited rules governing the detention and deportation of illegal immigrants.