Strasbourg, 14.11.2013 - The Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe passed from Armenia to Austria today, at a meeting at the Organisation's Strasbourg headquarters, attended by representatives of its 47 member States.
Before handing over the chairmanship to his successor, the outgoing Chair Edward Nalbandian, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Armenia, gave an overview of his country's achievements during its chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers.
The new Chair of the Committee of Ministers, Michael Spindelegger, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Austria, presented the priorities of the Austrian chairmanship which will run for six months as of today.
At a brief ceremony during the meeting, Minister Spindelegger solemnly handed over to the Secretary General, Thorbjørn Jagland, the instrument of Austria's ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, known as the Istanbul Convention (CETS no. 210). Austria pledged that, during its chairmanship, it would "promote measures for an early entry into force of the Convention", which requires 10 ratifications. (more...)
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19.08.2013 - 2013 Council of Europe Exchange on the religious dimension of intercultural dialogue: “Freedom of religion in today’s world: challenges and guarantees”
In the framework of the Armenian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the Exchange on the religious dimension of intercultural dialogue: "Freedom of religion in today's world: challenges and guarantees", will take place at the Government Guest House, in Yerevan on 2-3 September 2013. The Republic of Armenia has included the promotion of European values through intercultural dialogue among the main priorities of its Chairmanship (16 May – 13 November 2013) with a view to stepping up action in combating intolerance and promoting freedom of religion.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Edward Nalbandian, will open the 2013 Exchange with His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
High-level religious leaders of different communities, representatives of non-religious convictions, human rights experts and media specialists will share their views around three panels and plenary sessions. (more...)
Panel's themes:
Panel I
"Freedom of religion, conscience and thought as a fundamental right in contemporary societies"
Panel II
"Protection of persons belonging to religious minorities, believers and non-believers and their contribution to the fight against intolerance, discrimination and hate speech with regard to freedom of religion"
Panel III
"Avenues for future action within and beyond Europe: youth education and awareness-raising on religion and beliefs, dialogue and co-operation among and with religious and non-religious representatives"
