Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers

High level conference concludes Albanian Chairmanship

Strasbourg, 08.11.2012 - "Diversity in Europe: a Strength for the Future" – the title of the high level conference in Tirana on 9 November – summarises the concept that has guided Council of Europe activities since Albania took over the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers in May. The conference will focus on dialogue with Mediterranean neighbours and the promotion of intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, through education to democratic citizenship values.

Following a welcome speech by Edmond Panariti, Albanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers, Bujar Nishani, President of the Republic of Albania, Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe and Jorge Sampaio, UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilisations will address the inaugural session of the Conference.

The Conference will be followed by a meeting for the handover of the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers to Andorra.

Albanian Foreign Minister Edmond Panariti, Andorran Foreign Minister and incoming Chairman of the Committee of Ministers Gilbert Saboya, and Deputy Secretary General Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni will hold a press conference at 19:15, at the Hotel Sheraton Tirana. (more...)

Back 08.06.2012 - Chairman of the Committee of Ministers to raise awareness on the European Convention of Human Rights

08.06.2012 - Meeting in Tirana today, the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers Mr. Haxhinasto, welcomed the unanimous adoption of the Brighton Declaration on the future of the Court. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Haxhinasto assured the President of the European Court of Human Rights, Sir Nicolas Bratza, of the Albanian Chairmanship's firm commitment to implement that declaration in line with the decisions adopted at the 122nd Session of the Committee of Ministers (23 May 2012). In particular, he said that Albania will focus on implementation of the Convention at national level by encouraging State Parties to develop policies and practices in line with the principles espoused by the Convention.

Furthermore, Albania will engage in a process of raising awareness on the European Convention of Human Rights by promoting the case law in national curricula.

With regard to accession of the European Union to the European Convention of Human Rights, Albania actively supports efforts made with a view to resuming the negotiation process in Strasbourg and hopes that it will be concluded soon.