News

On 8-14 April, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis was on an official visit to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, where he met their highest executive, parliamentary and judiciary authorities, representatives of opposition political parties, media and non-governmental organisations and representatives of the international organizations present in the region. During the visit Minister Valionis was interested in the political situation in the countries, the achievements and problem areas regarding their commitments to the Council of Europe. He highlighted the Council of Europe’s support for the national authorities’ efforts to consolidate democracy and urged to intensify co-operation with the Council of Europe. Chairman Valionis welcomed the achievements of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia in fulfilling their membership commitments to the Organization and encouraged to continue the reforms not only in law making but also in promoting the implementation of adopted laws. The still unresolved conflicts of Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia and South Ossetia were addressed, stressing the peaceful solution of those as the only acceptable way for the international community. In accordance with the priorities of the Lithuanian Chairmanship Minister Valionis stressed the need to fully explore the potential of regional co-operation and, namely, the importance of parliamentary dimension on regional co-operation. He proposed to strengthen parliamentary ties of the Baltic Assembly with the institution of Armenian, Azerbaijani and Georgian parliamentary co-operation, which was openly received by the South Caucasus officials. Discussions on human rights issues and abolishment of death penalty were also on the agenda. The meetings showed that Lithuania’s practise in carrying out reforms, establishing the rule of law and fighting against corruption are very important for the South Caucasus countries. The Lithuanian minister underscored the readiness of Lithuanian representatives to share their experience in these fields.