Rinkevich calls on Council of Europe to explore ways to bring Russia to justice for its work in Ukraine

Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs (JV) has called on the Council of Europe to explore effective ways to hold Russia accountable for the abuses and crimes committed in Ukraine, and stressed that the Parliamentary Assembly’s proposal to set up an “ad hoc” tribunal could be a way forward.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), on Friday, Rinkevich participated in the 132nd session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Turin, Italy.

The Minister emphasizes that the meetings take place at a time when the values, principles and standards of the Council of Europe are being threatened. Today, according to Rinkēvičs, they need to be protected more than ever.

He emphasizes that Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine is an attack on all international law. The Minister points out that Latvia stands by Ukraine, defending its freedom, sovereignty and Ukraine’s democratic future.

“We will continue to help and assist Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in all possible ways. Latvia reiterates its strongest condemnation of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, attacks on Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure,” Rinkēvičs said.

He believes that there is no place in the Council of Europe for MEPs from a country that is illegally invading a sovereign state and committing heinous war crimes. “By excluding Russia from the organization, we have shown our determination and restored our credibility in the principles of the Council of Europe,” he said.

In his address, the Foreign Minister also stated that the Council of Europe must help Ukraine to rebuild its future and help Ukraine become a member of the Council of Europe Development Bank.

Rinkēvičs drew the attention of those present to the fact that this year marks 25 years since Latvia ratified the European Convention on Human Rights. Latvia intends to make a voluntary contribution to support the work of the European Court of Human Rights. Latvia is also preparing for the presidency of the Committee of Ministers in 2023, thus further work will be done to coordinate the national and strategic priorities of the Council.

“We are committed to strengthening and protecting democracy, freedom of the media, civil society and the rule of law. We will support the Council of Europe’s reform process. This is a turning point in the Council of Europe. deepened by the exclusion of Russia from the Council of Europe, “emphasizes the Latvian Foreign Minister.

During the 132nd session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia signed the European Convention on the Abolition of Legalization of Documents by Diplomatic Agents or Consular Officials. The international cooperation platform established by the Convention provides a common legal framework and facilitates the circulation of public documents between its Member States by removing administrative barriers.

The Convention has now been ratified by 25 countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Moldova, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. , Turkey, the United Kingdom and Russia.

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