Council of Europe
Committee of Ministers

The Chairman

Informal meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Council of Europe
(New York, 24 September 2008) - Chairman’s summing-up

1. The armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Georgia within Georgia, and its consequences for the respect of the principles and standards of the Council of Europe are of utmost concern. The situation is a serious challenge to the organisation and the values it stands for. Security and development must be based on peaceful settlement of national and international conflicts as well as respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. The Council of Europe is already engaged through various organs. It will continue to support the international efforts, in particular those undertaken by the EU, the OSCE and the UN, to secure a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict, and contribute to those efforts within its own distinctive mandate.

2. This serious conflict – causing loss of human life and great suffering among the populations, including a large number of displaced persons , as well as consequences for the democratic security in the region – requires a distinctive response from the Committee of Ministers in line with the Council of Europe’s core objective of preserving and promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The Council of Europe can provide an appropriate forum for political dialogue on these matters as well as expertise and assistance.

3. The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights has put forward six important principles for urgent protection of human rights and humanitarian security, which were supported. The right to safe return was underlined in this context. These principles are relevant for the two member states and the international community as a whole. The Commissioner for Human Rights is encouraged to continue paying close attention to the situation and to act whenever called for under his mandate. These efforts must be supported by relevant means.

4. Enhanced monitoring by the Committee of Ministers of the Russian Federation’s and Georgia’s obligations and commitments to the Council of Europe should be established. The results should serve as a basis for the Committee of Ministers to decide on action, in particular co-operation and assistance, with the aim to ensure respect for Council of Europe principles and standards. The role of existing monitoring mechanisms should be taken into account. The monitoring results should be regularly examined by the Committee of Ministers.

5. The co-operation between the Council of Europe and the Russian Federation and Georgia respectively should be enhanced in order to strengthen implementation of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. An enhanced Council of Europe presence in the two countries could be necessary. Such efforts can require reallocation of resources within the Council of Europe. Financial reinforcement through the Council of Europe Development Bank, joint activities with other actors and voluntary contributions should also be strived for.

6. The Chairmanship intends to remain in close contact with all parts of the Council of Europe as well as the incoming Chair of the Committee of Ministers regarding the response to the conflict. The Chairmanship will also stay in close contacts with other relevant international organisations, in particular the EU, the OSCE and the UN.