Council of Europe must discuss situation in Ukraine

“A meeting of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers should be held as soon as possible to discuss the situation in Ukraine. The Council of Europe plays a key role in promoting democracy and the rule of law in its member states. The Council of Europe could therefore play a constructive part in addressing the continuing crisis in Ukraine,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.

The Council of Europe is in a unique position in that all key European actors are members. The Council of Europe also has a number of effective instruments at its disposal that can be used to promote democracy and the rule of law in its member states, and could therefore play an active and constructive role in the current situation.

“The situation in Ukraine remains serious. Norway is prepared to support initiatives that can help bring about a resolution to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and that will help Ukraine to develop as a democracy,” Mr Brende said.