Keystone-SDA
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October 1, 2024 – 3:09 p.m.
(Keystone-ATS) Alain Berset, new secretary general of the Council of Europe, spoke for the first time before the Parliamentary Assembly on Tuesday. He outlined the guidelines of his mandate for Ukraine, democracy and the unity of the Council of Europe.
Our role, together, is to protect and promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law, declared Alain Berset, who took office two weeks ago. These principles are at the heart of our institution, he added.
The new Secretary General outlined his three priorities: support for Ukraine, revitalization of democracy and guaranteeing the unity of the European family made up of its 46 members.
“The Council of Europe has an essential and unique role to play for Ukraine grappling with Russian aggression,” noted the former federal councilor. The court has been judging human rights violations in this country since 2014. And it has set up a register of damages which must be followed by a compensation mechanism. “We had to remain open and creative to support Ukraine in resilience and reconstruction,” he said.
The Council of Europe must also commit to democracy. Democracy is in decline around the world, according to him. There are numerous challenges between wars, the rise of anti-Semitism and global warming. “But our council has already shown its strength and has often shown the way forward. »
Finding convergence
“Together we must find convergence,” continued the Swiss. The European family, which can look back on 75 years of experience, must commit to peace, stability, prosperity and security, everything that our fellow citizens demand.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has been meeting since Monday throughout the week in ordinary session. Highlight of the day on Tuesday, Julian Assange attended a hearing. European parliamentarians examined his detention and conviction and their impact on human rights.
The Council of Europe, which has its headquarters in Strasbourg, has 46 member states, including the 27 members of the EU. Russia was excluded in 2022 following the offensive in Ukraine. Signing of the European Convention on Human Rights is required of states wishing to become members.
