Georgia, Tbilisi, May 13 / Trend , N.Kirtskhalia/
Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze attended the 119th anniversary meeting of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers on May 12.The meeting was attended by foreign ministers from 47 states to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Council of Europe. The meeting was opened by Spanish Foreign Minister and current chairman of the Committee Miguel Angel Moratinos, Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis and the Prince of Asturias, the Georgian Foreign Ministry press service reported.
Future chairman of the Committee, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia Zbogar in his speech spoke about the priorities during Slovenia's presidency.
Despite Russian delegation's resistance, the agenda included the situation in Georgia following the August Georgian-Russian war.
The vast majority of ministers reaffirmed their support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. They noted the need for appropriate action by the Council of Europe after the occupation of Georgian territory. Ministers adopted a decision which "stressed the importance of the restoration of democracy, human rights and supreme law in all regions affected by conflict in accordance with standards of the Council of Europe." Ministers expressed support for the implementation of the 6th point of the plan of action developed by the Council of Europe Commission for the Protection of Human Rights. The paper provides a safe and dignified return of refugees. Ministers also approved the monitoring reports, which are quarterly to the General Secretary. "Ministers agreed that the activities undertaken by the Council of Europe after the conflict, will be held at the next meeting of the Committee of Ministers of November 18, 2009.
At the end of the meeting, ministers adopted a political declaration (Madrid Declaration). "Stressing the CE's crucial role in construction of Europe, which brings the value of protecting human rights, democracy and supreme law, the declaration reaffirms ministers' in relation to confrontation and unresolved conflicts, which pose a threat to the safety of Council of Europe members, unity and democratic stability, and population. The Declaration supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia to respect the principles of international law which have been approved by the UN Charter, the Final Act of the Helsinki Commission Security and Cooperation in Europe and other relevant documents.
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