1038th meeting of the Committee of Ministers – 15 October 2008

On 15 October 2008, the Committee of Ministers continued their discussions on the consequences of the conflict in Georgia. In this context, the Swedish Chairmanship made a proposal for an action plan for the promotion of the Council of Europe’s values and standards in Georgia and the Russian Federation. Such action, based in particular on the orientations given by the informal meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs held in New York on 24 September, would also constitute a contribution by the Council of Europe to the international efforts to secure a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict. [Chairman’s summing-up]

The overall objective of the proposals is to promote full and effective respect by Georgia and the Russian Federation of the Council of Europe core values: democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The envisaged measures include urgent action to protect human rights and humanitarian security, including support to the Commissioner for Human Rights, enhanced monitoring of obligations and commitments by Georgia and the Russian Federation and proposals for co-operation and assistance activities to promote the Organisation’s core values.

The Ministers Deputies invited the Secretary General to make proposals for the financing and implementation of the measures in time for next week’s meeting, when the discussions will continue.

The Ministers’ Deputies heard a statement by the Registrar of the European Court of Human Rights concerning the inter-state case brought by Georgia against Russia and the prolongation of the interim measures decided by the Court in that case. Furthermore, the Registrar of the Court informed the Deputies about the very large number of applications from South Ossetia against Georgia. To date 2 941 cases had been received in a few weeks.

The possibilities for Council of Europe Development Bank to contribute to efforts for providing assistance have been referred to by the Ministers’ Deputies on several occasions. The Deputies were informed that a number of projects in favour of persons affected by the conflict were under preparation for submission to the Bank for funding.