The Secretary General of the Council of Europe has stated that Russia must abide by the rulings rendered in the "Georgia v. Russia" case by the European Court of Human Rights.
She also spoke about the Russia-Ukraine war and noted that Russia's illegal aggression against Ukraine is the result of its separation from the values of the Council of Europe.
"It is because of this that Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe, and it is because of this that we are doing everything we can to support Ukraine," said Marija Pejčinović Burić.
„Allow me to speak a few words about the important issue of the implementation of the decision of the European Court of Human Rights in the interstate case of "Georgia v. Russia".
These decisions will continue to be discussed in the Committee of Ministers, and the Russian Federation remains obliged to implementing them. Due to non-payment of the amount imposed by the court in connection with the lawsuit against Russia, the fine continues to increase and currently exceeds 10 million euros. There is also a second judgment that begins with an execution, Georgia v. Russia. I can assure you that we will continue to work diligently. According to the international law, Russia is obliged to implement the decisions, we will insist on this at every meeting where this case is discussed," Marija Pejčinović Burić.
According to her, the cooperation between the Council of Europe and Georgia is strong.
"Our current action plan, which ends at the end of this year, has supported your government in making progress on many reforms, such as the fight against corruption, the reform of the judiciary, media legislation, the fight against violence against women and the sexual exploitation of children.
A new action plan for the next period 2024-2027 is being developed and I hope it will be finished soon, so I can assure you that the Council of Europe will faithfully advise you to continue supporting these reforms, which are also an instrument in your pursuit of the EU.
The Council of Europe also remains unwavering towards the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. We will continue to promote the restoration of trust. We will continue to promote confidence-building measures aimed at building bridges between population groups and strengthening human rights protection in conflict-affected regions. We will also continue to fight for access to the Georgian region, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
According to her, the Council of Europe supports Georgia on its reform path. She expressed hope that the future action plan will be stronger than the current one, because "the need is greater, the ambitions are greater". "We are here to work with you on this," noted Marija Pejčinović Burić.
„This is my second visit to Georgia. I'm looking forward to having a very rich program during my visit, including visiting the occupation line, because it's very important to visit those people, because given the diligent work of the report on Georgia every year, I think it's important to visit the people who directly experience it. Let me start by expressing my gratitude to the Government of Georgia for inviting me to the country," said Marija Peičinović Burić.
Some background
According to Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the President and key ministers during an official visit to Georgia.
Meeting Georgian President Salomé Zourabichvili, the Secretary General reaffirmed the Council of Europe’s full support to the ongoing reform process, highlighting the strategic value of co-operation to defend values of democracy, rule of law, and human rights in a period in which we witness democratic backsliding across Europe. The exchange also focused on the Secretary General consolidated report on the conflict in Georgia and support the broader reconciliation process through the Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs).
Marija Pejčinović Burić will discuss the implementation of the conclusions of the Fourth Summit of the Heads of State and Government with the Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, key Ministers, and the Parliament Chairman. The elaboration of the new Action Plan 2024-2027, which contributes to the country’s aspirations for EU integration, will also been raised.
“The co-operation between Georgia and the Council of Europe is strong. Our current Action Plan which ends in 2023 has supported Georgia in advancing many reforms in key areas, such as the fight against corruption, the reform of the judiciary, media legislation, the fight against violence against women and sexual exploitation of children”, emphasised the Secretary General, during a press briefing with the Foreign Minister.
According to the Council of Europe the Secretary General will visit the “administrative line“ and participate in the Second Annual Tbilisi Women’s International conference.
