"Your strong and timely political recommendation to the Committee of Ministers to expel Russia was groundbreaking and - for many of us - brought back faith in our common institutions," said Gabrielius Landsbergis, President of the Committee of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, when addressing the Parliamentary Assembly. "Real action is the only thing that counts and thus we must act," he added.
As a priority, Russia must pay compensation for all damage inflicted on Ukraine. The Presidency will promote steps towards a comprehensive compensation mechanism, while focusing on expanding the membership of the Register of Damage for Ukraine.
He noted that further action should include ensuring the responsibility of the political and military leadership of Russia and its accomplice Belarus for aggression against Ukraine. A Special International Tribunal has to be established and equipped to effectively reach and punish those who planned and initiated the aggression. The contribution from the Council of Europe is very welcome if it helps bring the ambition of the draft Statute up to the necessary standard. Better protecting Ukrainian children, including against deportation and illegal adoptions, and ensuring their safe return, as well as assisting Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction are also at the top of the Lithuanian Presidency's priorities.
In addition, Mr Lansbergis recalled the blatant violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Russia-occupied territories of Ukraine, including the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea, and stressed the importance of the organisation continuing its participation in the International Crimea Platform.
Continued support for civil society, independent media, and human rights defenders from Belarus and other countries is also needed. "We would be happy to host the Council of Europe Information Point for Belarus in Vilnius," the minister announced.
Among other priorities, the minister referred to social rights, freedom of expression and safety of journalists, the fight against disinformation and hate speech, gender equality and women's rights, good governance and the fight against corruption.
Finally, the minister recalled that the Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights will be opened for signature in Vilnius in September, on the margins of the informal conference of the ministers of Justice, and invited all countries to sign it.
