ArmInfo.The Council of Europe is negotiating with Armenia and Azerbaijan on post-conflict assistance to ensure respect for human rights. This was stated by the PACE Secretary General Maria Peichinovich Buric during her speech at the session of the Parliamentary Assembly held in a hybrid format.
According to a report published on the PACE website, Buric, referring to the November conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, noted the ceasefire with satisfaction.
According to the Secretary General, the implementation by member states of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights is not a "kind request", but a "legally enforceable requirement". Referring to the Osman Kavala case, she noted that it was "completely wrong" that the Turkish authorities had still not released him, despite the fact that the Court had demanded his release last year in its final ruling.
The Secretary General also expressed sympathy for the large number of human victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her thoughts were also directed to those who had lost their jobs. She stressed the importance of preserving the core values of the Council of Europe during the crisis, especially respect for human rights and equal treatment of all people, regardless of their financial situation.
Despite the unprecedented problems associated with the pandemic, the Council of Europe was able to successfully continue its regular work, said Maria Pejcinovic Buric. In particular, she highlighted the progress made in relation to the human rights aspects of the use of artificial intelligence and environmental protection, as well as in the fight against human trafficking and the promotion of the Istanbul Convention, which aims to protect women from all forms of violence.