Deputy FM Amanatidis’ address at the 126th Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (Sofia, 18 May 2016)

It is an honor for me to address the 126th Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

Greece remains inspired by the ideals and principles of the Council of Europe, especially in view of the multifaceted challenges humanity is experiencing. We remain fully committed to our common vision to ensure peace, prosperity and human rights for all.

This is exactly why we believe that it is now, more than ever before, a challenge for all of us, for the Council of Europe, to contribute effectively, as a significant and responsible international actor, to the global efforts to address and overcome the uncertainties that our peoples are currently experiencing.

In this spirit, we would like to express our profound appreciation to Secretary General Jagland for his leadership and assure him of Greece’s continued support, particularly regarding his efforts to further enhance the Council of Europe’s efficiency in the exercise of preventive diplomacy, as well as its agility in responding to the emerging complex threats to peace and social progress, of unprecedented intensity that are testing the resilience of the international system.

Greece welcomes, in particular, the important contribution, which the Secretary General is making with his third Report on the state of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. What I see in this Report is the intent to open and maintain a dialogue with governments of the member-states of the Council of Europe, on issues that are crucial to us and on the basis of the values that we share. You will allow me to characterize it as a brave initiative.

It not only adds value to the already existing monitoring procedures, and the various reports that they produce, in all the fields of interest of the Council of Europe, but it also strengthens the intrinsic logic of the reporting system, and that is to our benefit, dear colleagues, the common benefit of member-states.

We share your concerns, Secretary General, that in these troubled times, and as you mention in your Report, the politics of solidarity, generosity and tolerance appear to be giving way to chauvinism, division and fear.

Allow me now to move on to the issue of the migration and refugee crisis currently affecting Europe.

Mr. Secretary-General,

The ongoing refugee/migration crisis surpasses the capacities of individual countries and needs to be dealt with collectively and in a coordinated way. Migration remains the major issue that has put to a test our unity and ability to respond to an international problem in a way that is compatible to our fundamental principles and values and does not challenge relevant provisions of international law.

The continuing involvement of the Council of Europe, and of you personally, in this crisis, provides us with further safeguards regarding the respect of the fundamental human rights of all migrants and refugees, as guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights and in line with our shared commitment to human dignity. It also raises awareness that this constitutes a major issue of European, even global proportions.

Greece is facing particularly strong migratory pressure, due to its geographical position. Let me assure you that Greece fully respects its commitments as a member of the Council of Europe, especially in what concerns the particular needs of vulnerable groups, which are being duly taken into account at all times. In this regard, particular attention has been placed on unaccompanied minors and families.

As you know, a few weeks ago we welcomed in Greece your Special Representative on Refugees and Migration, Ambassador Tomáš Boček. He had the opportunity to see at first hand the huge effort made by the Greek authorities, in cooperation with specialized international organizations and civil society and ordinary citizens, in order to safeguard the fundamental rights of refugees and migrants in our country. It has been a fruitful and meaningful visit, at a critical juncture, and we consider it as a first step towards enhancing our bilateral cooperation on migration and refugees issues.

In particular, we look forward to productive cooperation with the Council of Europe, both on know-how, and finance and infrastructure issues. We note here the funding from the Council of Europe Development Bank of extensions in a reception center in Lesvos and the hospitality center in Eleonas and look forward to further strengthening synergies.

Our common goal remains to respond to the refugee and migration crisis, with respect to our obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. Greece, despite the difficult budgetary situation, considers any discounts on human rights as completely unimaginable.

We should not overlook however, the broader picture. The only realistic way to mitigate the influx of refugees and its tragic consequences is to put an end, as a matter of urgency, to the conflict in Syria. Greece supports all efforts aiming at stopping the bloodshed by promoting a viable political solution to the conflict.

Mr. Secretary General,

The recent deadly terrorists attacks in Europe and elsewhere underline the fact that the Council of Europe needs to focus further on tackling the violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism.

The Council of Europe’s relevant Action Plan adopted in May 2015 offers the necessary tools to tackle the root causes of Violent Extremism and Radicalization. However, it is important to underline the importance of co-operation with our strategic partners on these matters.

Youth must definitely be among the main beneficiaries of our policies against violent extremism. Additionally, campaigns should be promoted and supported aiming to counter intolerance and discrimination, and raise awareness among young people. In this context, we consider it to be equally important that the Organization work on fighting Violent Extremism and Radicalization by providing alternatives to young people.

The Council of Europe’s focus on the media is indispensable in encouraging pluralistic debate, with a view to fostering tolerance of ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural diversity and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism.

Moreover, countering violent extremism and radicalization could and should also be included in the Organization’s neighborhood cooperation dialogue and promoted in the context of the neighborhood partnerships with various countries.

Greece supports interfaith dialogue as a tool for preventing social tensions and crisis, in order to ensure the peaceful coexistence of people with different cultural and religious background through the promotion of mutual understanding, tolerance and respect for human rights.

In this spirit, the Greek authorities cooperate with leaders of the Muslim communities in the country for the prevention of radicalization. Moreover, Greece organized and hosted in Athens, last October an International Conference on “Religious and Cultural Pluralism and Peaceful Coexistence in the Middle East”.

Mr. Secretary General,

Democracy, human rights and the rule of law constitute the foundation upon which humanity attempts to build a peaceful and auspicious future for all people, in every corner of the earth. All individuals are entitled to the protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Human Rights are not just privileges, they allow us to exist, create and prosper.

We support Council of Europe’s initiatives and cooperation activities in sensitive conflict areas that contribute to the prevalence of peace, stability and democracy; activities that contribute towards the prevailing of peace, stability and democracy. The values and principles of the Council of Europe should guide our efforts in troubled areas to find solutions to current political, social and security challenges faced.

We believe that the Organization has an important role in preserving stability, through the promotion of unity on the basis of respect for democracy and human rights, as well as by supporting constitutional and judicial reform in those countries.

Mr. Secretary General,

Before closing my remarks, please allow me to commend Bulgaria on its fruitful and constructive Chairmanship, as well as on hosting so successfully this Session of the Committee of Ministers. I also avail myself of this opportunity to congratulate Estonia on its incoming Chairmanship and reiterate our full support to its priorities.

Thank you for your attention.

Deputy FM Amanatidis’ address at the 126th Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe
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