"It is time to put even more pressure on Russia and ensure its full accountability for its crimes," said Gabrielius Landsbergis, President of the Committee of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, when addressing the Parliamentary Assembly. "Only this way will we lay the path towards a just, sustainable and lasting peace for Ukraine," he said.
Foreign Minister Landsbergis welcomed the Council of Europe's contribution to the Core Group, in particular its expertise for the drafting of the Statute of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression.
The minister underlined progress made in the work of the Register of Damage for Ukraine, as the 10,000th claim has just been submitted to the Register, and called on all eligible states to join the Register.
He also encouraged all involved parties to move forward with the setting up of a Claims Commission for Ukraine and welcomed the Council of Europe's decision to become a member of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
Among the main achievements of the Committee of Ministers under the Lithuanian Presidency, the Minister mentioned the Vilnius Declaration, which calls for the continuous development of social rights and encourages further ratifications or additional commitments under the European Social Charter, the opening for signature of the Framework Convention on artificial intelligence, human rights, democracy and the rule of law and the promotion of media freedom.
In addition, Mr Landsbergis expressed concern about the further deteriorating human rights situation and the high numbers of political prisoners in Belarus and called for support for the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society.
In the light of reported violations of the right to freedom of expression and the imposition of disproportionate criminal sanctions to limit freedom of expression in Azerbaijan, he encouraged the country to respect its obligations and stressed the importance of an open and inclusive dialogue to resolve outstanding issues. He also expressed concern about the current situation in Georgia and called on the authorities to make sure Georgia is back on the European path of democracy.
"A just, lasting, and sustainable peace, as well as respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, demand our collective effort," he concluded.
