“The Council of Europe and the PACE should return to their own values,” -- Olena Kondratiuk, the vice speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
The Ukrainian parliamentary delegation headed by the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Dmytro Razumkov, started its work in Strasbourg (France) within the framework of the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament of the Council of Europe member states.
"This is the traditional European summit of leaders of parliaments of the Council of Europe member states, partner countries, observer countries and neighboring countries, as well as heads of other international assemblies," Olena Kondratiuk explained.
In particular, this year's conference is attended by about 60 heads of parliament and 300 delegates, including a parliamentary delegation from Ukraine.
“Our delegation will have a wide range of meetings and negotiations. We will work over strengthening the international coalition that counteracts the aggressor, maintaining and enhancing the regime of international sanctions against the Russian Federation, returning home all hostages and prisoners of conscience unlawfully held by the aggressor,” Olena Kondratiuk emphasized.
She then expressed her conviction that the Council of Europe and the PACE should restore their authority by returning to their own values that had once underpinned the very establishment and operation of the organization as such.
"This is not only respect to human rights and democratic freedoms, but also the rule of law and justice, the principles of good neighbourly relationship and peaceful coexistence," the vice speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament stated.