“We need effective rules-based multilateral co-operation to prevent instability and conflicts, and the Council of Europe is an important forum in this context,” said Timo Soini, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland and Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, addressing the Assembly today.
“Furthermore, the Council of Europe’s mandate includes respect for human rights, democracy and the principle of the rule of law. This makes it possible to raise these issues with member States. If a country is a member of the Organisation, the other member States can hold it accountable on its commitments. In fact, this is our duty,” he added.
When it comes to the issue of participation of member States in the work of the institutions of the Organisation, “only constructive co-operation between the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly can bring answers and resolve deadlocks,” Mr Soini concluded.
The Chair of the Committee of Ministers also evoked a number of political issues as well as the events organised in the framework of the Finnish Presidency with regard to its priorities, namely the strengthening of the system of human rights and the rule of law, equality and women's rights, and inclusion, with a focus on young people and the prevention of radicalisation.
