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Azerbaijan: strengthening parliamentary control over the executive; ensuring independence of the judiciary
During a debate today at its plenary session in Strasbourg on “The functioning of democratic institutions in Azerbaijan”, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) raised a number of concerns, particularly with regard to checks and balances, the functioning of the justice system,...
Parliamentary Assembly overhauls its Code of Conduct in response to corruption allegations
Responding to allegations of corruption in its ranks, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has unanimously adopted a heavily revised Code of Conduct for its members, with the aim of “restoring public confidence” in its work. Approving a report by Ian Liddell-Grainger (United...
Miloš Zeman: "the endeavour of the Council of Europe towards friendship and not hatred among European nations will be successful"
“I believe that the Council of Europe’s endeavour towards friendship and not hostility and hatred among European nations – including Russia – will be successful in the long term,” said Miloš Zeman, President of the Czech Republic, addressing the Assembly today. “I believe that the role of the...
Secretary General Jagland says Catalonia crisis must be solved within the context of the Spanish constitution
Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland, in reply to questions from PACE members, has emphasised the importance of resolving the conflict in Catalonia on the basis of the existing Spanish constitution, or an amended version of it. He rejected the idea of international mediation, and...