During a lively Q & A session with parliamentarians, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset underlined the organisation's unique role in holding Russia to account, through the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The Secretary General said that once the agreement was signed, it was vital to move at speed to encourage as many countries as possible to join the enlarged partial agreement.
Speaking about a public letter signed by nine EU member states concerning migration and the role of the Court, the Secretary General criticised the lack of formal communication and stressed that politicising the Court was not an acceptable way to initiate debate, reaffirming that any such discussions must take place in the appropriate institutional context.
Responding to a question on the situation in Gaza, the Secretary General spoke with emotion and urgency about the humanitarian crisis, stressing the need to uphold international law and protect civilians. "Horrific situations where children see their lives cut short... simply because they happen to be in that place at that time - that is unacceptable," he said. He underlined the Council of Europe's responsibility to remain consistent in defending human rights and humanitarian principles, warning against double standards that could undermine its credibility.
Answering a question about the south Caucasus region, the Secretary General emphasised that being a member of the Council of Europe implies recognising and respecting the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights. He confirmed that he is maintaining close contact with the governments of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Other questions concerned recent GRECO reports relating to Spain, the situation in Gaza, the Council of Europe's role in protecting minority rights and the importance of working with young people to revitalise democracy.
