Foreign Minister highlights necessity to include Abkhazia and South Ossetia issue on Council of Europe agenda

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part in the in the 118th session of the Council of Europe (CoE) Committee of Ministers on 7 May in Strasbourg.

At the meeting, the CoE member states debated the necessity to consolidate the CoE system of human rights protection, the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding concluded between the CoE and the EU, and co-operation with other international and regional organisations. 

Minister Riekstins noted that the CoE has contributed considerably to human rights and to promoting democracy in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. "The situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia raises concern in the international community; this issue should be high on the current Council of Europe agenda", indicated the Minister, adding that security issues are closely related to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

The Foreign Minister called on the Russian Federation to ratify Protocol 14 of the European Convention of Human Rights, so that the Convention could enter into force in the nearest future.

During the meeting, Minister Riekstins underlined the need to raise awareness about international standards and European values among the Belarusian people. In addition, he noted CoE's contribution towards the promotion of intercultural and religious dialogue, and urged member states to back the drafting of a new comprehensive convention on preventing and combating violence against women.

During the session of the CoE Committee of Ministers, Slovakia, which has chaired the Committee since the beginning of 2008, reported on its accomplishments during its chairmanship. Sweden then briefed on the priorities in its programme, taking up the Chair of the Committee of Ministers for the second half of 2008.

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