18.06.2010

SPEECH BY MR MEVLÜT ÇAVUŞOĞLU,

PRESIDENT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE, FOR ANTONIO MILOŠOSKI, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF “THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA”

(STRASBOURG, MONDAY 21 JUNE 2010, 3.00 P.M.)

Dear Chairman,

I am very happy to greet you in Strasbourg, particularly after the warm welcome that the Assembly received during its meetings in Skopje on 20-21 May 2010.

As I pointed out there, the programme of the Macedonian Chairmanship of the Council of Europe largely coincides with my own priorities as President of the Parliamentary Assembly; namely “Strengthening human rights protection,” “fostering integration while respecting diversity”, and the emphasis given to inter-religious and intercultural dialogue, as well as the promotion of youth participation.

I am particularly satisfied with the fact that, under your Chairmanship, the very positive co-operation between the Committee of Ministers and the Assembly, developed during previous Chairmanships, is being further strengthened. This is especially important at a moment when the Council of Europe has to adapt to new realities and new challenges in order to keep its major political role. I am sure that my colleagues are also looking forward to exchanging views with you on the most important issues facing our Organisation.

You have the floor.