Russia must comply with international law and pull its forces from Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, said Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs at the ceremony of taking over the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Iceland.
Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that for the next six months the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe will be managed by Latvia. Rinkēvičs said that since 1995, when Latvia became a European Parliament member state, this will be the second time this country will be in charge of this organisation.
He said the Council of Europe was founded to protect democracy, human rights and rules of law in Europe.
“For nearly 75 years it has promoted rule-based order. However, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has shaken the order based on international law. Democracy and human rights are the foundation of freedom and peace in Europe. They cannot be taken for granted. This is why I welcome our member states’ commitment to defend the organisation’s standards and values,” said the minister.
He said that during its presidency Latvia will focus on the decisions made at the 4th Summit of European Member States’ Leaders, commence their practical implementation, as well as closely work together with other member states to strengthen the Council of Europe.
Latvia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs said member states affirm their unbending support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The Council of Europe needs to continue supporting Ukraine and its residents for as long as possible.
“We strongly condemn Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine. Such behaviour cannot be normalised. Russia must comply with international law. […]
We have to ensure comprehensive responsibility. This means the responsibility of Russia as a country for violations of international law,” added Rinkēvičs.
According to the minister, this means individual responsibility for the most severe international crimes. He also stressed that during Latvia’s presidency it is planned to maintain these topics a priority. Russia must pay for the losses caused by the war against Ukraine, he said.
“I welcome the first practical step in the road towards the creation of an international compensation mechanism – loss register. Latvia is among its founders.
We will promote these directions during our presidency,” stressed the minister.
The minister said Latvia will maintain its commitment to creating “ad hoc” international tribunal under the UN. Latvia condemns the deportations of Ukrainian civilians to Russia or its currently occupied territories in Ukraine. The forced relocation and illegal adoption of Ukrainian children is especially worrying.
Latvia’s minister invited Council of Europe member states to provide support to the action plan for the restoration of Ukraine. The organisation needs to continue the efforts of Belarusian civil society to create a free and democratic Belarus, said the Latvian politician.
“The existing geopolitical situation provides an opportunity for changes in the Council of Europe. Latvia’s presidency is committed to increasing the transparency of the Committee of Ministers, its visibility and effectiveness. It is necessary to involve civil society and youngsters in discussions about political processes. The situation in which Russian citizens continue working in structures of the Council of Europe is unacceptable. We will maintain this issue in the Committee of Ministers,” Rinkēvičs said in conclusion.
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