24/05/2024 Standing Committee | President
“In the Parliamentary Assembly, we look forward to working closely together with the authorities, and in particular with the Seimas, towards achieving the priorities of the Lithuanian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers,” PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos said today at the opening of the PACE Standing Committee in Vilnius.
“A top priority for the Assembly is our overall support for Ukraine: support for reconstruction, the establishment of a comprehensive accountability mechanism, and the return to Ukraine of children who were unlawfully deported to Russia. However, the essential requirement for the realisation of these objectives is to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine in accordance with international law, which is also a priority of the Lithuanian Presidency,” he added.
“Also, the establishment of a democratic society in Belarus is an important priority and an essential condition for peace and stability in the region. Our Assembly worked closely with Belarusian democratic forces. As you know, at our January part-session, we adopted a resolution that enables us to institutionalise and promote the meaningful participation of Belarusian democratic forces in our Assembly,” the PACE President underlined.
Mr Rousopoulos welcomed the presence of Vytautas Landsbergis, the First Head of State of the re-established independent Lithuania, who attended the opening session. “Professor Landsbergis, your name and your life are inextricably linked to Lithuania's struggle for freedom and independence, and to the efforts of your country to build a prosperous and equitable nation. Throughout your life, your work and unwavering dedication to the democratic building of your country have made you a living symbol of the values the Council of Europe defends and promotes.”