“Support and solidarity with Ukraine is one of the main priorities of our Presidency and we have worked hard to ensure that the outcome of the Reykjavík Summit in May further strengthens our collective resolve,” said Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland and Chair of the Committee of Ministers, when addressing the Parliamentary Assembly.
With Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine having been a major challenge during Iceland’s Presidency, the Minister recalled the importance of setting up a Council of Europe register of damages to hold Russia accountable for its atrocities: “A register, under the auspices of the Council of Europe, but with broad support of leading world nations, would be a historic occasion for our organisation – but most importantly an important step towards accountability for crimes committed in this brutal war and a strong message of support to Ukraine”.
During its Presidency, Iceland strongly focused on human rights, democracy and the rule of law and prioritised the rights of children and youth, gender equality, LGBTI rights and the environment.
“At the Summit, we have a choice to unite around the Council’s core principles and reaffirm our common commitment to the values that have proven to be such a blessing for the people of the world,” she concluded.
