In a special ceremony at the Council of Europe's headquarters in Strasbourg, an Austrian delegation handed the Light of Peace of Bethlehem to Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge. In an Austrian tradition dating back almost 40 years, a child from Upper Austria (Oberösterreich) lights a candle using the eternal flame in the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem. This candle is then transported in a special lantern and relayed around the world, symbolising hope and peace.
Receiving the lantern, the Deputy Secretary General emphasised that the Light of Peace reminds us that for too many people, the darkness of war persists in too many nations - from its origins in the Middle East, to Ukraine, our own member country. "At this time when so many of us celebrate festivals of joy, we reflect on the bravery of those who defend their nations and their beliefs. Let us all cherish the hope that the light of just and lasting peace will prevail in Ukraine."
The ceremony was accompanied by a choir and orchestra of students from Lower Austria led by Member of the European Parliament Angelika Winzig.
The Permanent Representative of Austria, Ambassador Aloisia Wörgetter hosted the ceremony together with the Chair of the Committee of Ministers, Daniela Cujbă, in the framework of the Moldovan Presidency.
Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge
Moldova's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers
Austria and the Council of Europe
