13/02/2012 President
Strasbourg, 10.02.2012 – During an exchange of views yesterday with the European Affairs Committee of the French Senate, PACE President, Jean-Claude Mignon, recalled the main activities carried out by the Council of Europe, which focuses on the protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
On this occasion, Mr Mignon presented the priorities of his Presidency. "During my term of office, I wish to place the emphasis on the need for all member states to apply Council of Europe standards, strengthen our co-operation with the European Union, and turn my attention to the question of frozen conflicts", he said. He also pointed to the importance of avoiding duplicating the work of other institutions, such as the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights.
The President of the PACE also referred to the parliamentary dimension of the Council of Europe as one of its major assets. "Bringing together representatives of national legislatures, the Parliamentary Assembly provides a platform for dialogue and opens up unique prospects for parliamentary co-operation", he stated. " The Assembly’s relations with the national parliaments should be intensified and be transformed into a genuine partnership”.
The other issues discussed were the UK’s position regarding the European Court of Human Rights, the situation in Ukraine and in Hungary, and relations with the European Union.