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Communication | Doc. 13393 | 25 January 2014

President’s activities between the fourth part of the Ordinary session of 2013 and the first part of the Ordinary session of 2014

1. Visits and meetings

1.1. Meetings with political personalities during the 4th part session of the ordinary session of 2013

  • Mr David Usupashvili, President of the Georgian Parliament
  • Mr Edward Nalbandian, President of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Armenia
  • Ms Maryam Radjavi, President elect, National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI)
  • Ms Akkiko Santo, member of the Chamber of Councilors of Japan
  • Mr Angel Gurria, Secretary General of the OECD
  • Mr Serguey Narychkine, President of the State Duma of the Russian Federation
  • Mr Aleksey Sergeyev, Secretary General of the IPA CIS
  • Mr Samoseyko, Member of the Chamber of Representatives, National Assembly of Belarus
  • Mr Serge Sarkissian, President of Armenia
  • Mr Tomislav Nikolic, President of Serbia
  • Mr Peter Maurer, President of the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross)

1.2. Meeting with the Chairpersons of national delegations (1 October 2013)

At the meeting, my aim was to initiate discussion to take stock of the reform of the Assembly. The proposals mentioned at the meeting will provide a basis for the preparation of an Assembly report on the subject.

1.3. Meetings in Strasbourg (8-9 October 2013)

1.3.1. Meeting with Commissioner Füle, European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy

We discussed the main topics at stake, in particular Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the preparations for the Vilnius-Summit.

1.3.2. Meeting with Mr Gianni Buquicchio, President of the Venice Commission

We had an exchange of views on the main current issues.

1.3.3. Meeting with the Ministers’ Delegates

At this now traditional meeting, I informed the Ministers’ Deputies of the results of the 4th part session of the Assembly and of its coming activities. My presentation was followed by an interesting and fructuous exchange of views.

1.4. Official visit to Italy and the Vatican (Rome, 10-11 October 2013)

I was in Rome on 10 and 11 October 2013 to pay an official visit to Italy and to meet Pope Francis at the Vatican.

During the visit, I met the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms Emma Bonino, the President of the Senate, Mr Pietro Grasso, the Minister of Integration, Ms Cécile Kyenge, the Deputy Minister of the Interior, Mr Filippo Bubbico, and members of the Italian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly. I had a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican on 11 October.

During my visit, I paid tribute to the commitment of the Italian authorities at the highest level to address human rights problems in Italy. As my visit took place the day after the tragedy which cost the lives of hundreds of migrants and refugees along the shore of the island of Lampedusa, migration issues were of course a major focus of my discussions with Italian officials. I praised Italy's efforts to save the lives of migrants and refugees in distress at sea and in particular the exceptional and tireless work of the coastguards.

In this context, I pointed out that migration flows are not a problem for Italy alone, nor just for the countries on the southern borders of Europe. This is a European problem, but it also goes beyond Europe’s borders. Obviously, Lampedusa cannot be regarded as a purely Italian border as it is also a European one. However, it is also on the other side of the Mediterranean, in the countries of origin and transit, that the problem needs to be addressed.

It is essential for us to find ways to persuade these people not to take to the seas, risking their lives on makeshift boats.

As I said in my conversations, there will be no perfect or miracle solution, but the European Union and all the European States must take not just symbolic steps but real practical and effective measures, including, if need be, reform of the Dublin system.

In my discussions with the Italian authorities, I also highlighted the need for a reform of the prison system to tackle overcrowding. I expressed particular admiration for the statement of the President of the Republic to both chambers of parliament regarding the very complicated issue of prison overcrowding which, in my view, reflected both his remarkable courage and a political will to find a solution to this issue.

At my private audience with Pope Francis, I placed great emphasis on human well-being and on human rights, referring to the priorities of the Parliamentary Assembly and of the Council of Europe. We also discussed the situation of migrants and refugees. I invited Pope Francis to address the Parliamentary Assembly at one of its future part-sessions.

1.5. Participation in the OSCE PA’s Mediterranean Forum (Budva, Montenegro 13 -15 October 2013)

On 12 and 13 October 2013, I visited Montenegro, at the invitation of the Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro, Mr Ranko Krivokapic, who is also President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE. During the visit, I met the President of Montenegro, Mr Filip Vujanovic, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Mr Igor Luksic, and the Speaker, Mr Ranko Krivokapic.

At the end of the visit to Montenegro, I congratulated the authorities on their exemplary co-operation with the Council of Europe, which is bound to help the country’s progress on the path of European integration. I underlined that the recent amendments to the Constitution concerning the reform of the courts and the prosecutor’s office were very important steps in the right direction. I also encouraged the Parliament to continue the work being carried out by the parliamentary working group on reforming electoral legislation, and stressed that the Council of Europe would provide the expert advice and recommend the good practices which the authorities might need. At the same time, I praised Montenegro’s model of integration as an example of good practice for all Council of Europe member States and neighbours.

In addition, I welcomed the constructive role that Montenegro plays in regional co-operation and reconciliation.

During my visit to Montenegro, I took part in the OSCE PA Forum on the Mediterranean. In my address at the opening of the Forum, I stressed the need for co-operation and parliamentary dialogue on both sides of the Mediterranean. I also called on all the players in the region to assume their responsibilities in rising to the challenges facing us: the mass arrival of refugees in very unsafe conditions on Mediterranean coasts, the humanitarian consequences of the war in Syria and the democratic changes in the southern Mediterranean and the Middle East. The status of Partner for Democracy with the Parliamentary Assembly is a powerful tool for making progress on these subjects.

1.6. Official visit to Iceland (14-16 October 2013)

At the invitation of the Parliament of Iceland, I visited Reykjavik on 14 and 15 October 2013. During the visit, I met the Speaker of Parliament, the Foreign Minister, representatives of the political forces in the parliament and the members of the Icelandic delegation to the Assembly. I also visited a centre for child sex abuse victims, called the Children’s House. In addition, I met the representatives of the youth wings of the political parties and visited the “Skólathing” (“School Parliament”).

At the end of my visit to Iceland, I praised the country’s commitment to Council of Europe values and standards. In particular, I underlined that the co-operation with the Venice Commission on the drafting of the new constitution was a very good example of how to use the Council of Europe’s expertise.

I also noted how much store the Icelandic authorities set by the issue of combating violence against women and expressed the hope that they would shortly be ratifying the Istanbul Convention, once the legislation had been brought into line with the requirements of the Convention.

During my visit to the Children’s House, I was impressed by the systems set up in Iceland to combat sexual abuse of children, as well as the related victim support measures and the awareness-raising campaigns run throughout the country. I believe that these are good practices, which it would be a good idea to share with all our member States.

In addition, I highlighted the need to develop synergies with regional co-operation systems and institutions such as the Nordic Council, the West Nordic Council and the Arctic Council. This is a very important means of reflecting regional perspectives on implementing our standards in the Council of Europe’s work, thereby catering as fully as possible for all the member States’ interests and concerns.

1.7. Conference on Europe’s values held by the Robert Schuman Foundation (Strasbourg, 23 October 2013)

The aim of the conference, of which I was patron, was to discuss the relevance of Europe’s founding values against the current background of economic crisis. Two round tables were held on the themes of the threats facing the rule of law and fundamental values and the possible interaction between the Council of Europe and the European Union to defend Europe’s values.

I took part in the opening and closing of the conference. In my addresses, I highlighted the fact that it was more vital than ever to seek the spirit of European construction during the current period of economic crisis, and pointed out that the Council of Europe’s core values – democracy, human rights, the rule of law and also peace and solidarity – had to be fought for every day.

The speakers and guests at the conference included Mr Nils Muižnieks, Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Fabienne Keller, senator for Bas-Rhin, Mr Jean-Paul Gauzès and Ms Constance Le Grip, Members of the European Parliament, and Mr Jean-Dominique Giuliani, Chair of the Robert Schuman Foundation.

1.8. 25th Session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (Strasbourg, 30 October 2013)

On 30 October 2013, I addressed the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities on the occasion of the 25th Plenary Session of the Congress. In my address I stressed the need for joint action co-ordinated at the national, regional and local level in order to respond appropriately to the challenges of the financial and economic crisis. In this context, I co-signed a joint declaration with the President of the Congress, Herwig van Staa, highlighting the need to step up co-operation among all government levels in order to address the problems arising from the crisis.

Furthermore, I pointed out that since the members of the Assembly and the Congress derived their legitimacy from the people, they had to act as the driving forces behind the Organisation, with all members working at their own specific levels and in line with their particular competences, in order to move democracy forward. In this connection I encouraged the development of synergies within the Council of Europe to ensure that the Organisation was more present and more efficient on the ground. All Council of Europe bodies should speak with one voice in defending our values and ensuring respect for our standards.

1.9. Official visit to Portugal and meetings at the North-South Centre (Lisbon, 7-8 November 2013)

I travelled to Portugal from 6 to 8 November in order to conduct an official visit and attend the Lisbon Forum 2013. 

During the visit I met the President of the Assembly of the Republic, the Justice Minister and the Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities, as well as the leaders of the parliamentary groups, the members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Portuguese Communities, and the Head of the Portuguese delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly.

I recalled the need to deepen our north-south dialogue, underscoring the role played by Portugal in improving dialogue on the future of the southern Mediterranean States.

During my talks I highlighted the fact that events in the Southern Mediterranean concern us all and that it is our duty and responsibility to help the Southern Mediterranean countries with their process of developing democracy. I realise that this is often difficult, because the democratic change in our immediate neighbourhood is coming up against a range of obstacles. In my view, however, this is precisely why we need dialogue. We must be able to compare our ideas, with a great deal of mutual respect, and in this context I congratulated Portugal on its active contribution to fostering such dialogue and exchange.

The Justice Minister informed me of the adoption of an ambitious rehabilitation plan for prisoners, and I congratulated her on this courageous action.

During my statements at the Lisbon Forum 2013 organised by the Council of Europe’s North-South Centre, and at the Conference organised by the Political Affairs Committee of the Assembly on the theme of “The political changes in the Southern Mediterranean and the Middle East: the role of representative institutions”, I stressed the importance of these key platforms for discussion and exchange between North and South.

On this occasion I explained our role as representatives of the oldest European organisation, which must place its expertise at the disposal of the southern Mediterranean countries, taking account of the specific features of each society.

1.10. Working visit to the Russian Federation and participation in the 2nd International parliamentary Forum (Moscow, 12-14 November 2013)

At the invitation of the Speaker of the State Duma, Mr Serge Naryshkin, I made a working visit to the Russian Federation from 12 to 14 November 2013. During that visit I met Mr Serge Naryshkin, Speaker of the State Duma, Ms Valentina Matvienko, President of the Federation Council, Mr Alexey Meshkov, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, the members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the State Duma and the members of the Russian delegation to the Assembly. I also had discussions with the Chair of the Central Election Committee and the Ombudsman, and I gave a lecture at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), focusing on the challenges facing the Organisation in terms of protecting human rights and the rule of law in Europe.

At the end of my visit, I pointed out that Russia now fully plays its due role in the Council of Europe. I said that the Organisation needs Russia’s support to take forward strategic subjects, including reform of the monitoring mechanisms, European Union accession to the European Court of Human Rights and the development of a complete and effective pan-European system to protect fundamental rights and freedoms in Europe, the situation in the southern neighbourhood, particularly in the Middle East, and North-South co-operation. The Russians to whom I spoke confirmed their support for the Council of Europe on all these subjects, which are among the essential tasks of the Council of Europe.

On the subject of reform of the monitoring procedure, I said that there is an urgent need to take stock of the implementation of this prime function of the Assembly. It is in particular necessary to make all member States, without distinction, face up to their responsibilities, in order to ensure that our standards are met throughout the Council of Europe area. In this context, I applauded the commitment of the Russian parliamentarians, and of other national delegations, on the subject. I hope that, together, we shall be able to accelerate this process considerably, in order to make the monitoring procedure an even more effective tool for dialogue and co-operation.

Where co-operation between Russia and the Council of Europe is concerned, I stated that, after 17 years, the results of our relations are truly positive. I am certain that the good relations which exist between Russia and the Council of Europe enable the potential for co-operation between us to be fully exploited. Consequently, I expressed support for the development of co-operation between the Council of Europe and Russia on the basis of the programmes already agreed, as well as in other priority fields to be identified together, and I welcomed the recent setting up of a Council of Europe programme office in the Russian Federation, which will, I am sure, enable our co-operation to be further stepped up.

I also noted with satisfaction the Russian authorities’ support for the development of synergies between various regional organisations in Europe, so as to improve complementarity and reinforce co-operation at pan-European level.

During my visit, I also took part in the Second International Parliamentary Forum, on “Constitution, Democracy, Parliamentarianism”, organised by the State Duma. During my address at the opening ceremony for the Forum, I pointed out that a true parliamentary democracy must be backed up by a democratic political culture, one based on pluralism, on respect for the rights of all political forces.

On the subject of the erosion of citizens’ trust in institutional authorities, I also emphasised the need to improve the transparency of political party and election campaign funding, the importance of involving citizens in the conduct of public affairs and the need to develop better communication channels with them, using such means as the Internet, social networks and parliament channels on television.

In conclusion, I emphasised that interparliamentary co-operation is a powerful tool for dialogue with a view to finding appropriate responses to the challenges facing democracy and the parliamentary system.

1.11. Working visit to Ukraine (Kyiv, 15 November 2013)

On 15 November 2013, I travelled to Kyiv in order to meet Mr Viktor Yanukovich, President of Ukraine. During our meeting, which lasted approximately an hour and a half, I was able to talk to the President of the Republic about all current subjects related to co-operation between Ukraine and the Council of Europe. Inter alia I applauded the political decision to support European values and standards made by Ukraine when it joined the Council of Europe, as well as the personal commitment of President Yanukovich, and the commitment of the Ukrainian authorities, to the Europe of 47.

I also noted that Ukraine has made considerable progress in implementation of the commitments that it made when it joined the Council of Europe. I pointed out that the co-operation programmes under way between Ukraine and the Council of Europe are a good way of carrying out the necessary reforms, and I expressed the hope that the draft legislation on elections and reform of the prosecution service, currently being discussed in parliament, will be adopted in the near future, taking account of the recommendations made by the Venice Commission. In this context, I also applauded the way in which the authorities co-operate with the Venice Commission.

Furthermore, our discussions covered subjects which are current at the Council of Europe, including reform of the monitoring mechanisms and the search for solutions to frozen conflicts.

1.12. Meetings of the Presidential Committee, Bureau and Standing Committee in Vienna (19-22 November 2013)

I chaired the meetings of the Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna and delivered a keynote speech at the opening of the meeting of the Standing Committee. In the framework of this event, I met Ms. Marit Nibakk, President of the Nordic Council and the President-in-office of the Committee of Ministers, Mr Michael Spindelegger.

1.13. Participation in the international meeting entitled “50 years of parliamentary work in Morocco and evolution of parliamentary practice in the world” (Rabat, Morocco, 25-26 November 2013)

I participated in the Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Moroccan Parliament, organised by the two Chambers of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Morocco, under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI. On this occasion an international symposium took place revisiting fifty years of parliamentary work in Morocco and analysing the evolution of parliamentary practice worldwide.

The Vice-President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, the President of the Senate of Spain, the Vice-President of the Senate of Belgium and the 1st Vice-president of the House of Representatives of Jordan also participated in this event.

1.14. Participation in the World Forum for Democracy (Strasbourg, 27-29 November 2013)

I attended the World Forum of Democracy which was held in Strasbourg from 27 to 29 November. My role was to moderate a discussion on "Citizen participation in the digital age: trends and prospects”. Adam Nyman, Director of Debating Europe, Mikhail Fedotov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation and President of the Russian Council on the development of civil society and human rights, Robert Bjarnason, co-founder of The Citizens Foundation of Iceland and Lois Beckett, reporter for ProPublica, specialist of the link between mega data, technology and politics, intervened in the debate.

1.15. Official visit to Hungary (Budapest and Tata, 2-4 December 2013)

During this visit, I met the Prime Minister, Speaker of the National Assembly, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for European Affairs, the State Secretaries to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Justice, and the Hungarian delegation to the Assembly.

The visit was an opportunity to take stock of the situation in Hungary following the adoption by the Parliamentary Assembly of Resolution 1941 last June. I welcomed the Hungarian authorities’ commitment to pursuing their constructive co-operation with the Council of Europe. During my discussions I emphasised that Hungary was a major European State and had been the first of the central and east European States to join the Council of Europe, which it did as long ago as 1990. Our discussions also broached topical European and international issues, inter alia concerning Ukraine.

During my visit I went to the European Youth Centre, where I addressed a group of young human rights activists from a large number of European and Arab States. We must step up our youth work, and the European Youth Centre is an outstanding vehicle for passing on to young people the values of the Council of Europe. The cultural exchanges which it makes possible are very wide-ranging, and I had a most interesting discussion with some committed young people well aware of their role in political life on both sides of the Mediterranean.

I had started my visit by travelling to Tata, the town which won the 2013 Europe Prize. I was delighted to celebrate with my friends from the town that major honour awarded by the Parliamentary Assembly. The town’s ongoing exchanges through its twinnings with numerous European towns and cities are remarkable. One of Tata’s twin towns is in fact the municipality of Dammarie-lès-Lys, of which I am mayor. Twinnings are one of the most direct expressions of European integration and of dialogue between peoples, as well as representing the realisation at local level of the European ideal.

1.16. Participation in the ceremonies commemorating the centenary of the 1st World War (Pederobba and Montebelluna, Italy, 5-6 December 2013)

During these commemorative ceremonies, I laid a wreath at the monuments to the fallen of these two cities, in the presence of the Vice-president of the province of Treviso and of local authorities of the region.

1.17. Joint meeting of the Presidential Committee and the Enlarged Bureau of the Venice Commission (Venice, Italy, 7 December 2013)

The Presidential Committee and the enlarged Bureau of the Venice Commission met in Venice on 7 December; the members of the Presidential Committee also attended the 97th plenary session of the Venice Commission.

1.18. Meetings in Strasbourg and handover of the Flame of Peace of Bethlehem (9-10 December 2013)

For the past 17 years, Strasbourg, the Council of Europe and the European Parliament have welcomed each year the Flame of Peace of Bethlehem. It arrived first to the Council of Europe, and in a ceremony held at the European Parliament, it was then handed over to Mr Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, before being transmitted to the Mayor of the city of Strasbourg and then continued its journey on to other European countries.

1.19. Working visit to Ireland (Dublin, 11-13 December 2013)

At the invitation of the Irish delegation to the Assembly, I paid a working visit to Ireland on 11 and 12 December 2013, where I met with Mr Sean Barrett, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Paddy Burke, Speaker of the Senate, and Mr Paschal Donohoe, Minister for European Affairs. I also held various exchanges of views, including with the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Committee on European Affairs, and with the Irish delegation to the Assembly. In addition, I met with Ms Susan Denham, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and Mr John Loyola Murray, judge and former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

In the course of my meetings, I welcomed the Irish authorities’ firm commitment to the pan-European project promoted by the Council of Europe. I emphasised that the Council of Europe’s role was to support all member States without exception in implementing our standards by engaging in dialogue with them and providing expert assistance. Ireland’s extensive experience and support are extremely valuable in this respect.

I also discussed with my Irish partners the issue of complementarity between the European Union and the Council of Europe in the field of human rights and the rule of law. We agreed on the need to develop more synergies in this area, while concluding that Mr Michael McNamara’s report offered a sound basis for moving forward in that direction.

Discussions also focused on the future of the European Court of Human Rights and the reform of the Council of Europe’s monitoring procedures. In this context, I stressed that Ireland’s experience of implementing the judgments of the Court was particularly useful.

I further emphasised the need for closer ties with national parliaments in order to spread the Council of Europe’s acquis and facilitate implementation of its standards.

1.20. Joint meeting between the Presidential Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly and the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament (Brussels, 9 January 2014)

On 9 January 2014, I attended, together with my colleagues, leaders of the political groups in the Assembly, the joint meeting between the Assembly’s Presidential Committee and the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament. Our discussions centred around three topics:

  • Ensuring complementarity and seeking synergies between the Council of Europe and the European Union with regard to the respect of fundamental rights;
  • Prospects for co-operation between the Council of Europe and the European Union following the 3rd Eastern Partnership Summit of the European Union in Vilnius;
  • The rise of extremist rhetoric and hate speech in political discourse.

1.21. Conference and debate at the “Maison de l’Europe” in Provence (Aix-en-Provence, 13 January 2014)

On 13 January 2014 I travelled to Aix-en-Provence to take part in the event being held at the town hall by the “Maison de l’Europe” in Provence.

On this occasion, I gave a speech about how the Council of Europe upholds citizens’ rights, followed by a debate.

During my visit to Aix-en-Provence, I also gave a presentation on the Council of Europe to students from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques.

2. Press releases

1. PACE President receives representatives of nominees for Václav Havel Prize (30 September 2013)

2. PACE President meets Speaker of the Georgian Parliament (30 September 2013)

3. 'PACE must make a political contribution towards resolving the conflict in Syria' (30 September 2013)

4. President welcomes the reform programme of the Turkish Prime Minister (1 October 2013)

5. PACE President reacts to Lampedusa tragedy (3 October 2013)

6. PACE President intends to go to Lampedusa before the end of the week (5 October 2013)

7. President to make official visit to Italy (9 October 2013)

8. Call on US, Japan and Belarus to abolish the death penalty (10 October 2013)

9. President to make official visits to Montenegro and Iceland (11 October 2013)

10. “A passionate believer in the European project is no longer with us” (11 October 2013)

11. Italy: President praises efforts to save migrants in distress at sea (11 October 2013)

12. Jean-Claude Mignon: co-operation between Montenegro and the Council of Europe is exemplary (13 October 2013)

13. President welcomes Iceland’s commitment to Council of Europe values (15 October 2013)

14. Are Europe’s core values under threat? (21 October 2013)

15. President strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Volgograd (23 October 2013)

16. In favour of reinforced co-operation among all levels of governance (30 October 2013)

17. PACE President to make official visit to Portugal (5 November 2013)

18. President to make a working visit to the Russian Federation (8 November 2013)

19. 'What is happening in the southern Mediterranean concerns us all' (8 November 2013)

20. Philippines catastrophe: PACE President calls for solidarity (12 November 2013)

21. Jean-Claude Mignon: ‘parliamentary democracy must be based on pluralism’ (14 November 2013)

22. ‘The record of Russia’s participation in our organisation is positive,’ says President (14 November 2013)

23. Co-operation with the Council of Europe is a good means to advance current reforms in Ukraine (17 November 2013)

24. Riga disaster: the President extends his condolences (23 November 2013)

25. World Forum for Democracy: citizen participation in the digital age (27 November 2013)

26. President to make official visit to Hungary (27 November 2013)

27. Visit to Italy: ceremonies to commemorate the Great War (4 December 2013)

28. President welcomes Hungarian authorities’ commitment to pursuing co-operation (4 December 2013)

29. PACE President makes official visit to Ireland (6 December 2013)

30. PACE President pays tribute to Nelson Mandela (6 December 2013)

31. Tribute to human rights defenders (9 December 2013)

32. The President welcomes Ireland's 'firm commitment' to the Organisation's project (13 December 2013)

33. President condemns the terrorist attack in railway station in Volgograd (29 December 2013)

34. President reacts to the terrorist attacks in Volgograd (30 December 2013)

35. New Year greetings from the PACE President (1 January 2014)

3. Speeches

1. Opening speech of the Fourth part of the Ordinary session of 2013 (Strasbourg, 30 September 2013)

2. Speech delivered at the Ceremony of award of the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize (30 September 2013)

3. Laudatio for Mr Luca Volontè, Italy, EPP/CD, Mr. Pasquale Nessa, Italy, EPP/CD and Mr Theodoros Pangalos, Greece, SOC (30 September 2013)

4. Welcome speech to Mr Sergueï Narychkine, President of the State Duma of the Russian Federation (1 October 2013)

5. Welcome speech to Mr Angel Gurría, Secretary General of the OECD (1 October 2013)

6. Welcome speech to Mr Tomislav Nikolić, President of Serbia (3 October 2013)

7. Welcome speech to Mr Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red-Cross (3 October 2013)

8. Exchange of views with the Ministers Deputies (9 October 2013)

9. Video message on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Romania’s membership of the Council of Europe (broadcasted at a Seminar organised by the Romanian parliament in collaboration with the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bucharest, 9 October 2013)

10. Speech held at the Fall meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (Budva/Podgorica, Montenegro, 13 October 2013)

11. Speech on the occasion of the Conference « Europe and its values » organised by the Robert Schuman Foundation (Strasbourg, 23 October 2013)

12. Speech on the occasion of the 25th Session of the Congress (Strasbourg, 30 October 2013)

13. Speech at the State University for International Relations of Moscow (MGIMO) (Moscow, 13 November 2013)

14. Speech at the Second International Parliamentary Forum: «Constitution. Democracy. Parliamentarism» (Moscow, 14 November 2013)

15. Introduction to the Standing Committee meeting (Vienna, 21 November 2013)

16. Moderator at the debate on citizen participation in the digital age: trends and prospects, in the framework of the World Forum for Democracy (Strasbourg, 27 November 2013)

17. Speeches delivered at the “Maison de l’Europe” and at the “Institut d’Etudes Politiques” on How the Council of Europe upholds citizens’ rights (Aix-en-Provence, 13 January 2014)