In a letter sent to the members of the Assembly, marking the 65th anniversary of the Assembly which met for the first time on 10 August 1949, PACE President Anne Brasseur today paid tribute to the past members and Presidents. She thanked them for “not giving up on the European dream, for keeping it inclusive and open to new member states and for having transcended their national and political differences to defend the values that are common to us”.
Referring to the bloodshed and sorrow that affect today some members states, she stressed that the Council of Europe was first of all a platform to achieve peace. “This anniversary should serve as a reminder of our duty to stand strong and united against intolerance, xenophobia and hatred,” Ms Brasseur concluded.
