With renewed impetus

The spheres of action were announced in capital letters: “Human Rights, Democracy, Rule of the Law”. On the background lies the logo “47 countries”. The latest version of the website of the European Council underwent renovation (www.coe.int). The “brush up” marks the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the oldest supranational organization of the Old Continent with its head offices in Strasbourg, a block away from the EU Parliament.2009 agenda. The Council of Europe has always been sensitive to communication with Member State citizens, representing almost all of Europe, extending to the far Eastern borders. But notably, the Organization’s first accomplishment was “The European Convention of the Rights of Man”, whose implementation is enforced by the Court of the Rights of Man, that “guarantees the freedoms and fundamental rights of 800 million Europeans. This year, the Court will celebrate its 50th anniversary. In presenting the 2009 agenda, the leadership of the Palais de l’Europe issued a joint statement that recites: “We are proud that this organization defended and promoted human rights and fundamental freedoms in the course of the past sixty years”. “Essential contribution to democracy”. Miguel Angel Moratinos, Spain’s Foreign Minister and President-in-Office of the Council of the Ministers of the Council of Europe Lluís Maria De Puig, at the leadership of the Parliament’s Assembly (PACE), along with Terry Davis, Secretary General, added: “the Council of Europe has given a major contribution to the democratization process of Europe, also thanks to its legislative work, to its consultancy in the realm of the Constitution, and its electoral monitoring activity”. It has “defended and developed the Rule of the Law also by contracting over 200 conventions drawn up by Member States”. Stop to the conflict in the Holy Land. At present, also in the CoE offices, the soaring Middle-Eastern conflict has gained primary attention. According to Lluís Maria de Puig, “violence, destruction and death will never solve” the problems between Israelis and Palestinians. “On the contrary, they will lead to the explosion of further violence and to more casualties. The only possible solution is political: re-establishing a cease-fire, resuming dialogue and negotiations”. The Assembly, “that has always voiced the cause of peace and human rights, cannot accept the recent mortal escalation of violence”. “PACE is willing to give its support to both parties for the achievement of a peaceful solution”. Provided “there is the political will to act in this direction” on both parts. Support to UN stands. Terry Davis claimed: “I’m upset by the scarce interest displayed for the future of the civilians who are the victims of the new wave of violence in the Middle East. I condemn Hamas’ decision of ending ceasefire. It is this very decision that triggered the turmoil. Israel has the legitimate right to protect itself from the missiles launched by Palestinian activists against Israeli targets. However this should be done in the full respect of international law, both as relates to humanitarian aid and to the respect of human rights. This is the reason why I deplore an excessive resort to force on the part of Israel and the obstacles placed against the conveyance of humanitarian aid”. Thus, the Council of Europe reaffirmed its “total support” to the initiatives undertaken by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, “to put an end to hostilities and give new thrust to the political process with the objective of reaching a peaceful and long-lasting solution to the conflict”. The CoE anniversary in Madrid. It is likely that Middle-East turmoil will be object of debate during the first PACE sitting, scheduled for January 26-30, along with the debate on Russia and Georgia scheduled on the same sitting. Spain’s CoE Presidency (November 2008-May 2009) placed foreign policy issues among the four main priorities of the semester, along with the enhancement of the Charter of Rights, in support of the fundamental values of the CoE and the commitment “for a future under the banner on inclusion and cohesion”. As relates to the latter area, the Spanish government declared its commitment in a number of fields: migration and the fight against illegal immigrant trade; monitoring multiethnic and culturally different societies; children and justice; the situation of the Roma and Sinti people. Spain will terminate its mandate next May 12, on the occasion of a sitting of the Committee of Ministers that will take place in Madrid and that will recall the 60th anniversary of the Council of Europe, founded May 5 1949.