Communication | Doc. 13542 | 21 June 2014

President’s activities between the second and the third part of the 2014 Ordinary session

1. Key activities

1.1. President’s activities between 7 April and 16 May 2014

1.1.1. Ukraine

1. During this period, I continued to follow very closely the developments in Ukraine. During the April part-session, I met with the Chairperson of the Russian delegation as well as with the Chairperson of the Ukrainian delegation. On 16 April 2014, I held an exchange of views with the Ministers’ Deputies, presenting the results of the April 2014 part-session of the Assembly. Speaking about Ukraine, I expressed unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and stressed that the Council of Europe is in an ideal position to provide support to the authorities in conducting much needed reforms. In this context, I called for supporting the “Immediate priority measures” proposed by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland.

2. Following up to the Assembly’s Resolution 1990 (2014) on the credentials of the Russian delegation to the Assembly, immediately after the second part-session, I met the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation, Ambassador Alexander Alekseev, stressing that the Parliamentary Assembly remained ready to continue constructive dialogue with the Russian delegation. I am also in regular contact with the Permanent Representative of Ukraine, Ambassador Mykola Tochytskyi. At the meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies, on 16 April 2014, I explained that by adopting Resolution 1990 (2014), the Assembly sent a strong political message to the Russian authorities, calling on them to respect the commitments and obligations they have entered into when joining the Council of Europe. At the same time, by reconfirming the credentials of the Russian delegation, we left the doors for dialogue open, hoping that our Russian colleagues would play a constructive role and contribute to finding a solution to the crisis in Ukraine. In this context, I regret the Russian Federation delegation’s decision to suspend “its further constructive participation in the Assembly activities”.

3. On 15 April 2014, I discussed the situation in Ukraine, as well as in countries covered by European Union's Eastern Partnership with the European Union Commissioner for enlargement and neighbourhood policy, Mr Stefan Füle.

4. On 17 April, I welcomed the agreement reached in Geneva by the United States, Russia, the European Union and Ukraine to de-escalate tensions in Ukraine, praising the responsible attitude shown by negotiators. I also stressed that the Ukrainian authorities needed to be supported in their efforts to implement the agreement, including, in particular, the disarmament of illegal armed groups currently active in Ukraine, the evacuation of occupied buildings and the end of violent or provocative actions by all participants.

5. In worrying developments, as the violence resumed, I expressed, on 25 April 2014, strong concern about the situation in the East of Ukraine, including in the city of Sloviansk, calling again all sides to urgently de-escalate the situation and end all violent or provocative actions and return to what was agreed in Geneva, particularly as regards the disarmament of illegal armed groups currently active in Ukraine.

6. Unfortunately, violence has not stopped and the events took a dramatic turn when violent clashes between different protesting groups occurred in Odessa. I was shocked by what happened in the Regional Trade Union House building and the death of at least 48 people. This, as well as other cases of violent confrontation and intimidation, was discussed at the meeting of the Presidential Committee which took place on 13 May 2014 in Luxembourg. In this discussion, information sent to the Committee by the Chair of the Russian delegation was taken into account along with information from the OSCE monitors in Ukraine, and other open sources.

7. As a result of our discussion, I made, on 13 April 2014, a statement on behalf of the Presidential Committee, expressing my sincerest sympathy to the families and relatives of all those who have lost their lives recently in Odessa and across the country. I stressed that violence cannot and will not bring a solution – it must immediately stop and all sides must ensure that human rights are effectively respected on the whole territory of Ukraine. Furthermore, I stressed that thorough investigations into acts of violence and intimidation had to be carried out, and that the mandate of the International Advisory Panel (IAP) on Ukraine, set up on the initiative of the Council of Europe’s Secretary General, had to be extended.

8. At the same time, the statement appeals to all stakeholders to urgently engage in a broad national dialogue, as was agreed in Geneva. It stresses that all citizens of Ukraine must feel that their interests and concerns are heard and taken into account, welcomes the Prime Minister’s proposal to launch national-unity round-table discussions and expresses support from the Parliamentary Assembly for this process.

9. In the statement, I also expressed regret about the holding of the so-called ‘referendums’ in the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, despite repeated and unanimous calls by the international community to refrain from such actions, which only add to the already tense atmosphere.

10. In a positive development, I welcomed, on 3 May 2014, the release of the OSCE observers in the city Sloviansk and I would like to congratulate the Secretary General of the Council of Europe for his personal involvement in this delicate and difficult matter.

1.1.2. 124th Ministerial meeting in Vienna (5-6 May 2014)

11. Speaking at the Ministerial meeting in Vienna, I stressed that the Parliamentary Assembly had to take a difficult and principled decision as regards Russia’s recent actions, including the annexation of Crimea. I explained to the Ministers what the Assembly actually did and did not do with respect to the credentials and rights of the members of the Russian delegation. In the margins of the Ministerial meeting, I had a conversation with Russia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sergey Lavrov, stressing that doors for dialogue and co-operation with the Russian delegation remain open. I also had a conversation with Ukraine’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Deshchytsia.

12. Speaking about the Secretary General’s report on the State of Human Rights, Rule of Law and Democracy, I stressed the importance of “getting it right” in terms of the monitoring work of the Council of Europe and ensuring that it contributes to building a Europe without human rights dividing lines. Improvements must be made and I emphasised the importance of complementarity and ensuring that the results feed into one another.

13. During the Ministerial meeting I had many other contacts with Ministers, including a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov in order to discuss issues linked to Azerbaijan’s Chairmanship of the Council of Europe.

14. In the margins of the Ministerial meeting, I met the Federal President of Austria, Mr Heinz Fischer. Our exchange of views focused on the situation in Ukraine as well as the future of the current model of European co-operation.

1.1.3. Visit to Greece (7-8 May 2014)

15. At the invitation of the Hellenic Parliament, I paid an official visit to Greece on 7 and 8 May 2014. I would like to thank the Greek authorities and, in particular, the Parliament, for the excellent organisation of this visit. At the end of the visit, I welcomed the commitment by the great majority of Greek politicians to Council of Europe values of democracy, rule of law and human rights, against a background of huge economic and financial difficulties.

16. I stressed that, as regards the two major challenges that Greece had to face – the management of migratory movements and combating racism and xenophobia – the Council of Europe instruments provided useful tools to address these issues, but Greece cannot and should not have to fight these battles alone. I stressed that asylum seekers and refugees cannot be protected unless responsibilities are shared between States, calling upon all member States to show greater solidarity.

17. During my visit to Athens, I met the President of the Republic, the Speaker of Parliament, the Minister of the Interior, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Secretary General responsible for Civil Protection at the Ministry of Public Order and Civil Protection and representatives of parliamentary political groups. I also visited the police station at Petrou Ralli and spoke to migrants being held in very difficult conditions. This was a moving experience and I was surprised and also shocked by the extent of the restrictions on detainees’ freedom of movement and by their lack of prospects, leaving individuals in great despair. In this context, I emphasised that we must work together to raise standards for persons held in detention centres in Greece and elsewhere in Europe.

18. While in Athens, I participated in a conference on “Freedom of religion or belief in the Middle East and the Southern Mediterranean: the situation and safety of Christian communities” organised by the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy. At the opening of the conference, I pointed out that interfaith dialogue was the necessary basis for a relationship which unites, rather than divides us. I also stressed that no religion, no school of thought could replace the Council of Europe’s fundamental values, and even less could it put itself above those values. We all need to demonstrate sensitivity towards diversity. Intercultural dialogue is only possible if we talk to each other, not if we talk about each other. A number of religious leaders, as well as experts on different religions, made interesting presentations which were followed by lively and rich discussions. I would like to congratulate the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy for having organised this conference.

1.1.4. Visit of the Presidential Committee to Luxembourg (12-13 May 2014)

19. On 12 and 13 May 2014, I organised a visit by the Presidential Committee to Luxembourg. I would like to thank the Luxembourg authorities and, in particular, the Chamber of Deputies, for the excellent organisation of this visit. It was a great honour for us all to be received by His Royal Highness Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, who expressed great support for the ideals and work of our organisation. Our exchanges of views with the Prime Minister, the President of the Chamber of Deputies as well as with the Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation, and Immigration, and the members of the Luxembourg Delegation to the Assembly, were of great interest.

20. During our stay in Luxembourg, we also paid a visit to the European Investment Bank (EIB) which allowed us to explore the ways in which greater synergies could be promoted between the Council of Europe, the EIB as well as the Development Bank of the Council of Europe. I would like to thank the President of the European Investment Bank, Mr Werner Hoyer, for his welcome as well for the interesting and useful discussions.

1.1.5. Exchange of views with the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member-states (Monitoring Committee) (Paris, 16 May 2014)

21. As a former member of the Committee and rapporteur on post-monitoring dialogue, I appreciated the Chair’s invitation to the Committee meeting. In our exchange of views, I emphasised that the Monitoring Committee’s work is of paramount importance for the Council of Europe and the Parliamentary Assembly, stressing the unique nature of the Assembly’s monitoring procedure, based on the principles of open and frank political dialogue taking into account the conclusions of the Council of Europe’s independent, impartial and professional sectorial monitoring and expert bodies.

22. The credibility of the Council of Europe’s action depends on our ability to ensure that our standards and commitments are respected by all member States without distinction. We must therefore give our full support to the Assembly’s monitoring procedure.

23. Our exchange of views focused on the situation in Ukraine and the preparation of the forthcoming presidential election. I informed the members of the Committee about discussions during the Ministerial meeting in Vienna as well as in the Presidential Committee.

24. Speaking about the evolution of the different monitoring procedures of the Council of Europe, I shared with the members of the Committee my impressions from the discussions during the Ministerial meeting in Vienna on the Secretary General’s Report on the State of Human Rights, Rule of Law and Democracy in Europe. I agree with the Secretary General that problems exist in all member States. Of course, in some countries, the problems are more serious than in others. But, this does not mean that we should put aside issues of “minor” importance. Whenever human rights, rule of law or basic principles of democracy are under threat, there should be no discrimination in our response. Such has always been the approach of our Assembly which since 2006 has been seeking to monitor effectively, and without distinction, the situation in all Council of Europe member States. In this context, I welcomed the work of the Monitoring Committee’s sub-committee on the functioning of the parliamentary monitoring procedure.

1.1.6. Bilateral meetings with representatives of various Council of Europe departments and bodies

25. During this period I continued to hold bilateral meetings with the representatives of various departments and bodies of the Council of Europe. I would like to emphasise in particular my visit to the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (so-called Pharmacopeia) as well as to the Council of Europe Development Bank.

1.2. President’s activities between 16 May and 23 June 2014

1.2.1. Situation in Ukraine

26. The situation in Ukraine has continued to be among my key priorities during this period. Congratulating, on 26 May 2014, the President-elect of Ukraine, Mr Petro Poroshenko, I invited him to address the Assembly during the June 2014 part-session.

27. Following the publication in the press of an open letter by the Speaker of the State Duma, Mr Sergey Naryshkin, I felt that it was important to clarify in a direct telephone conversation with the State Duma Speaker a number of issues concerning the participation of the Russian delegation in the work of the Assembly. Therefore, on 5 June 2014, during our telephone conversation, we discussed this matter, as well as the situation in and around Ukraine. Although we could not make progress on the participation of the Russian delegation in the Assembly’s work, we agreed to continue frank, open and genuine dialogue. We also agreed that we could meet in future, in Strasbourg, Paris or elsewhere, to continue direct discussions.

28. Following the escalation of violence in the east of Ukraine, as well as the shooting down, on 14 June 2014, of the Ukrainian military plane in Lugansk which led to the death of 49 people, I spoke over the phone with the Vice-chairperson of the Ukrainian delegation and Leader of the “All-Ukrainian Union Batkivschyna” political group in the Verkhovna Rada (largest political force in the majority coalition) to get first-hand information about the situation in Ukraine. In our discussion, we agreed that to stop violence it was important to ensure that the separatists in the east of Ukraine did not receive any military or other outside support.

29. Subsequently, in a letter to the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, I addressed our deepest sympathies to the people of Ukraine and to the families of the victims of the military plane that was shot down in Lugansk. I also stressed that our immediate priority in Ukraine was to stop violence and that as politicians we had to assume our responsibilities and do everything possible to de-escalate the situation.

30. As the events unfolded, I expressed, on 18 June 2014, my grave concern about the humanitarian consequences of the conflict. Referring to the plane tragedy in Lugansk and to the recent killing of two journalists in a mortar attack, as well as to the many reports of a steady stream of IDPs and refugees seeking to escape the conflict, abductions, hostage taking of children, civilians and OSCE monitors, I called all sides to step back from the brink, show restraint and avoid provocation. I welcomed discussions between President Poroshenko and President Putin, noting that we need a political breakthrough to stop violence and to tackle the worsening humanitarian consequences.

31. On 19 June 2014, in a telephone conversation with the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Mr Olexandr Turchynov, I reiterated the invitation to the President of Ukraine, Mr Petro Poroshenko, to address the Assembly during the June part-session. We discussed recent developments, the progress of institutional reforms, including the possible holding of preterm parliamentary elections, as well as the role the Assembly could play in supporting Ukraine in this process. We agreed to keep each other informed of any major developments.

1.2.2. Meetings of the Presidential Committee, Bureau and Standing Committee of the Assembly in Baku (21-23 May 2014)

32. During my visit to Azerbaijan, I participated in the above-mentioned Assembly meetings and also had a number of bilateral contacts with the President of Azerbaijan, Mr Ilham Aliyev, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Elmar Mammadyarov, and the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ogtay Asadov. I also organised a round table meeting with leading human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists.

33. During the Standing Committee meeting, I expressed the Assembly’s support of the priorities of the Chairmanship of Azerbaijan in the Committee of Ministers.

34. Referring to the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, I recalled the Assembly’s clear position in support of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and stressed that upon their accession to the Council of Europe, both Armenia and Azerbaijan had committed themselves to use only peaceful means to settle the conflict.

35. At the same time, I regretted that there had been insufficient progress in the implementation by Azerbaijan of its commitments and obligations taken upon accession. Referring to the August 2013 recommendations of the Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner, I noted that the situation in areas such as freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of assembly had deteriorated. I called on the authorities to urgently address these issues in a constructive fashion within the framework of the Co-operation Action Plan with the Council of Europe.

36. I informed the Standing Committee of the Bureau’s decision of 22 May 2014 not to hold any Assembly committee meetings in Azerbaijan for the next two years. At the same time, I stressed that notwithstanding this decision, we will continue close and constructive collaboration with the Azerbaijani authorities in the coming months.

37. Finally, I said that I hoped that the Judgment handed down, on 22 May 2014, by the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Ilgar Mammadov, Director of the Council of Europe School of Political Studies in Baku, would lead to him being released from detention. This judgment found that his arrest and extended detention pending trial was in violation of the Convention. The Azerbaijani authorities – at the highest political level – agreed that I would soon be given the possibility to visit Mr Ilgar Mammadov, as well as several other activists currently in detention. I am looking forward to continuing my discussions with the Azerbaijani authorities on this matter in order to agree a date for the visit.

1.2.3. Bilateral meetings with the North-South Centre and UEFA (Lisbon, 24-27 May 2014)

38. I met with the Executive Director and staff of the North-South Centre in order to discuss the challenges they are facing and their priorities. These priorities include youth cooperation, education, empowerment of women, the North-South Prize and the Lisbon Forum 2014.

39. While in Lisbon, I had the opportunity of meeting with the President of UEFA, Mr Michel Platini, and high level officials of UEFA to discuss the on-going work of the Parliamentary Assembly on the reform of football governance and on sport for all. I also discussed the opening for signature of the Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports in Macolin on 18 September 2014 and the need to update the European Convention on Spectator Violence. This is particularly relevant as next year we will be commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Heysel Stadium disaster.

1.2.4. Exchange of views with the Committee on Equality and Non–discrimination (Paris, 2 June 2014)

40. On 2 June, I attended the meeting of the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination. I reported to the Committee on my activities relevant to its remit, especially on my participation in the 58th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) (New York, 10-12 March 2014) as well as on my recent official visit to Greece, where the issue of extremism was discussed.

41. I highlighted the importance of the mandate of the Committee, especially in view of the Europe wide rise of extremism and of racism. I also paid tribute to the dynamism of the Committee, and congratulated its members on their significant input in obtaining the necessary numbers of ratifications of the Istanbul Convention which will enter into force in July.

42. I then took part in highly interesting discussions on the situation of women in emerging democracies following the Arab revolutions and on the Boko Haram kidnapping and widespread human rights violations against girls and women in Nigeria. The Committee also held a hearing on discrimination against transgender people in Europe, with the moving testimony of Ms Julia Ehrt, Executive Director, TGEU – Transgender Europe.

1.2.5. Official visit to Ireland (Dublin, 11-12 June 2014)

43. At the invitation of the Irish Parliament, I paid an official visit to Dublin on 11 and 12 June 2014. During the visit, I met the President of the Republic, Mr Michael D. Higgins, the Speaker of the Dáil, Mr Seán Barrett, the Speaker of the Seanad, Mr Paddy Burke, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Eamon Gilmore. I also held a series of exchange of views, with the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Joint European Union Affairs Committee, as well as with the Irish delegation to Assembly and political Party leaders.

44. At the end of the visit, I urged Ireland to use its experience from its own troubled history, to help solve some of Europe’s on-going conflicts, such as the one that has developed between Russia and Ukraine.

45. In my address to the Irish Seanad I praised Ireland for being one of the great supporters of the Council of Europe, and its values based around the rule of law, democracy and human rights. I also praised Ireland on its approach to the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, and on the way it has tackled extremely sensitive issues, such as abortion. At the same time, I called on the Irish authorities to continue taking steps to ratify certain European Conventions, such as those relating to sexual abuse of children, domestic violence, non-discrimination (Protocol 12 of the ECHR), money laundering and cybercrime. I also urged the Irish authorities to take action on recommendations of the different monitoring bodies of the Council of Europe, highlighting the need to tackle conditions of detention, the situation of Irish Travellers and the position of asylum seekers and refugees.

46. During my visit, I had the honour to meet with the President of the Republic, Mr Michael D. Higgins, whom I invited to address the Assembly. Speaking with him reminded me that human rights should never be regarded as “business as usual” and that passionate political voices have to be heard.

1.2.6. Other events

47. During this period, I attended several conferences, including the conference on « The Council of Europe: democracy, human rights and the rule of law more important than ever », organised on 16 June 2014 by the Oxford University Society Luxembourg, as the well as the Conference organised by the Strasbourg Rotary Club on 19 June 2014. In my presentations, I focused on the Council of Europe’s place in the European political architecture, the role of the Parliamentary Assembly and the many challenges it has to face, including the crisis in and around Ukraine as well as human rights challenges in some of our member States.

2. Press releases

1. Anne Brasseur: “Respect for territorial integrity is one of our most fundamental rules” (7 April 2014)

2. PACE President welcomes Ukrainian Minister of Justice (10 April 2014)

3. PACE President welcomes the agreement for a resolution of the crisis in Ukraine (18 April 2014)

4. PACE President reacts to recent execution in Belarus: “No state has a right to kill” (23 April 2014)

5. Ukraine: all sides should urgently de-escalate the situation and return to the agreement reached in Geneva (25 April 2014)

6. Anne Brasseur: “Our three priorities are Ukraine, Ukraine, and Ukraine” (6 May 2014)

7. Greece: President calls for greater solidarity (9 May 2014)

8. All stakeholders in Ukraine must put an immediate end to violence (13 May 2014)

9. Anne Brasseur addresses her condolences to the Turkish people following the tragedy of Soma (15 May 2014)

10. Boko Haram denies respect for human dignity, says PACE President (23 May 2014)

11. Azerbaijan: the country heading the '47' should 'lead by example' on human rights (23 May 2014)

12. Shooting in Belgium: President shocked by a despicable and heinous act (25 May 2014)

13. PACE President and State Duma Speaker to continue genuine, frank and open dialogue (5 June 2014)

14. PACE President urges Ireland to use its experience to help solve ongoing conflicts (12 June 2014)

15. Ukraine: the President concerned by the humanitarian consequences of the conflict (18 June 2014)

16. World Refugee Day: It is vital to create safe legal channels to Europe, says PACE President (19 June 2014)

3. Speeches

1. Opening speech of the Second part of the ordinary session of 2014 of the Parliamentary Assembly (Strasbourg, 7 April 2014)

2. Opening speech of the First platform of the Parliamentary Assembly against corruption : «Investigation journalism and the role of national parliaments in the fight against corruption» (Strasbourg, 8 April 2014)

3. Declaration on the occasion of the International Roma Day (Strasbourg, 8 April 2014)

4. Exchange of views on the occasion of the 1197th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies (Strasbourg, 16 April 2014)

5. Speech on the occasion of the 124th Session of the Committee of Ministers (Vienna, 5-6 May, 2014)

6. Speech delivered at the Conference organised by the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy on “Freedom of religion or belief in the Middle East and the Southern Mediterranean: the situation and safety of Christian communities” (Athens, 7 May 2014)

7. Opening speech of the Standing Committee (Baku, Azerbaijan, 23 May 2014)

8. Exchange of views with the Committee on Equality and non-discrimination (Paris, 2 June 2014)

9. Speech before the Senate of the Irish Republic (Dublin, 12 June 2014)

10. Speech at the Oxford University Society of Luxembourg on the theme: Council of Europe: democracy, human rights and the rule of law more important than ever (Luxembourg, 16 June 2014)

11. Speech at the Strasbourg Rotary Club on the Council of Europe’s place in the European political architecture (Strasbourg, 19 June 2014)

12. Speech at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Secretaries General of the Bishops' Conferences of Europe on intercultural dialogue and the religious dimension (20 June 2014)

Appendix 1 – Activities between 7 April and 16 May 2014

1. Meetings during the Second part of the 2014 ordinary session (7-11 April 2014) (in chronological order)

Bilateral meetings

• Mr Askar Beisenbaev, Vice-President of the Senate of Kazakhstan
• Mr Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister for European Affairs and Chief Negotiator for Turkey
• Ms Veronika Szente Goldston, Judiciary Director, Human Rights Watch
• Representatives of DATÜB, Union of World Turks of Ahiska
• Ms Asiia Sasykbaeva, Vice-President of the Kyrgyz Parliament
• Mr Alexey Pushkov, Chairperson of the Russian delegation
• Ms Diane Goodman, Deputy Director of the UNHCR Office for Europe and Mr Gert Westerveen, Representative of the UNHCR in Strasbourg
• Mr Mikhail Kasyanov, former Russian Prime Minister and et Co-President of the Party RPR-Parnas
• Mr Ivan Popescu, Chairperson of the Ukrainian delegation
• Mr Heinz Fischer, President of Austria
• Ms Liliana Palihovici, Chairperson of the delegation of Moldova
• Mr Pavlo Petrenko, Minister for Justice, Ukraine
• Ms Ingjerd Schou, Chairperson of the delegation of Norway
• Mr René Rouquet, Chairperson of the delegation of France
• Delegation of Russian and Ukrainian human rights defenders
• Delegation of UDI movement

Participation in Assembly events

• First meeting of the platform against corruption on “Investigative journalism and the role of national parliaments in the fight against corruption”
• Presentation ceremony of the 2014 Council of Europe Museum Prize to the Baksi Museum (Turkey)
• Meeting of the Chairpersons of national delegations
• Theatre show “Wounded to death”, in the framework of the meeting of the Parliamentary Network “Women Free from Violence”
• Exchange of views on « The political transition in Tunisia ».

2. Bilateral meetings (in chronological order)

Strasbourg

• Mr Elmar Brok, President, Committee on foreign affairs of the European Parliament
• Mr Stefan Füle, European Union Commissioner for enlargement and neighbourhood policy
• Mr Hannes Swoboda, President, Social Democrat Group, European Parliament
• Mr Mikhail Khodorkovsky
• Rabbis participating in the Conference or European Rabbis

Vienna (5-6 May 2014)

• Mr Heinz Fischer, President of Austria
• Ms Dunja Mijatovic, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
• Mr Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister for foreign affairs of Azerbaijan

Greece (7-8 May 2014)

• Mr Vangelis Meimarakis, Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament
• Ms Dora Bakoyannis, MP, Chairperson of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy, Head of the Hellenic Parliamentary Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly
• Mr Kyriakos Gerontopoulos, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs
• Mr Ioannis Dragasakis, Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament, representative of the Parliamentary Group of SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) and Ms Nantia Valavani and Ms Vassiliki Katrivanou, MPs
• Mr Kostantinos Triantafyllos, MP, representative of the Parliamentary Group of PASOK (Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement)
• Mr Epameinondas Marias, MP, representative of the Parliamentary Group of ANEL (Independent Hellenes)
• Mr Dimitrios Koutsoumbas, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the KKE (Greek Communist Party)
• Mr Patroklos Georgiadis, General Secretary of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Public Order and Civil Protection
• Mr Giannis Michelakis, Minister of the Interior
• Mr Dimitrios Anagnostakis, Secretary of the DIMAR Parliamentary, Group (Democratic Left Party) and Ms Maria Giannakaki, MP
• H.E. Mr Karolos Papoulias, President of the Republic

Luxembourg (12-13 May 2014)

• Mr Mars Di Bartolomeo, President of the Chamber of Deputies
• Mr Marc Angel, President of the Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Co-operation and Immigration
• Ms Lydie Polfer, Mayor of the City of Luxembourg
• Mr Werner Hoyer, President of the European Investment Bank
• Mr Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister
• His Royal Highness Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg

Paris (15-16 May 2014)

• M. René Rouquet, President of the French delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly
• M. Rolf Wenzel, Governor of the Council of Europe Development Bank

3. Briefings with Council of Europe departments and bodies (in chronological order)

• Mr Piotr Switalski, Director, Directorate of Policy Planning
• Ms Penelope Denu, Partial Agreement - Cultural Routes, Executive Secretary responsible for the Joint Programme on European Cultural Routes
• Ms Suzanne Keitel, Director, EDQM, European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and HealthCare
• Ms Ute Dahremöller, Director General of Administration
• Mr Roberto Olla, Executive Director, Eurimages
• Ms Claudia Luciani, Director, Directorate of Democratic Governance, DG II
• Mr Jan Malinowski, Head of Department, Information Society Department, DG I
• Ms Susanne Nikoltchev, Executive Director, European Audiovisual Observatory, DG I

4. Meetings with the diplomatic community (in chronological order)

• Ms Tatiana Pârvu , Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Moldova
• Mr Alexander Alekseev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation
• Ms Jocelyne Caballero, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of France
• Mr Julius Georg Luy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Germany
• Mr Almir Šahović, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovinia
• Mr Ermin Eyyubov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan
• Ms Ellen Berends, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the Netherlands
• Mr Cristian Urse, Chargé d'affaires a.i., Deputy Permanent Representative of Romania
• Mr Ihor Dolhov, Ambassador of Ukraine in Belgium
• Mr Hubert Würth, Ambassador of Luxembourg in Austria
• Mr Christian Biever, Ambassador of Luxembourg in Greece

5. Contact with the media : interviews given in April and May 2014 (in chronological order)

Media	Type	Country
DNA	Written press	France
Agence Europe	Press agency
The Journal / Communication unit / Council of Europe	On line video journal /internet
Deutsche Welle	Radio	Russian department
RIA NOVOSTI	News & Information Agency	Russian Federation
VEDOMOSTI	Written press	Russian Federation
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty	Radio	Russian speaking desk
Deutsche Welle	Radio	Russian/German/English services
RFI	Radio	France
RIA NOVOSTI	Press and news agency	Russian Federation
ITAR TASS	News agency	Russian Federation
VEDOMOSTI	Written press	Russian Federation
Kommersant Daily	Written press	Russian Federation
RAI, Canal 2	Television	Italy
Press conference / Council of Europe	Various media
« Stand up » A. Brasseur / M. Cavusoglu / Council of Europe	Various media
« Stand up » A. Brasseur / P. Petrenko / Council of Europe	Various media
Mediabox / Council of Europe	Internet
Deutsche Welle	Radio	Russian department
Association Avenue Europa : AZER PRESS, EFE, ANSA, Deutsche Welle, RTV Pologne, Uradovyy Kuryer Ukraine, NTV Turkey	Various media	Azerbaijan, Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Turkey
Russian journalists: Ria Novosti, Itogi, Radio Free Europe, Voice of America, Itar-Tass, Vedomosti, Russia Today, NTV, Russia 24, TV Rain, Interfax, Rosbalt,	Various media	Russian Federation
Podcast / Council of Europe	Radio, internet
"TO VIMA"	Written press	Greece
APA	Press agency	Austria
Press conference	Various media	Luxembourg
AZER PRESS	Written press	Azerbaijan

Appendix 2 – Activities between 16 May and 23 June 2014

1. Bilateral meetings (in chronological order)

Baku (21-23 May 2014)

• Representatives of civil society in Azerbaijan
• Mr Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan
• Mr Ogtay Asadov, President of the Milli Mejlis
• Mr Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Lisbon (24-27 May 2014)

• Mr Gianni Infantino, General Secretary, UEFA
• Mr Michel Platini, President of the UEFA
• Mr Julien Zylberstein, Legal Councillor, UEFA
• Mr José Frederico Ludovice, Director of the North-South Center of the Council of Europe
• Ms Maria Conceição Pereira, Deputy, Vice-President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean
• Mr Jorge Sampaio, former President of the Portuguese Republic, President of the global support platform to Syrian students
• Mr Luis Amado, ex-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Portugal
• Mr Francisco Seixas da Costa, ex-Foreign State Secretary and former director of the North-South Center of the Council of Europe.
• Ms Manuela Franco, Director of the Diplomatic Institute of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Portugal

Dublin (11-12 June 2014)

• Mr Joe O’Reilly, T.D. Chair of Oireachtas Assembly delegation and members of the Assembly delegation
• Mr Eamon Gilmore TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs
• Mr Seán Barrett, Speaker of the Dáil
• Mr Dominic Hannigan TD, Chair, and Members of Joint Oireachtas European Union Affairs Committee
• Mr Sean Crowe, TD, Sin Fein Party Spokesman on Foreign Affairs
• Mr Michael Martin TD, Leader of Fianna Fail Party
• Mr Pat Breen, T.D. Chair, and Members of Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Mr Michael D. Higgins, President of the Republic
• Mr Paddy Burke, Speaker of the Seanad

Strasbourg (5, 19, 20 June 2014)

• Telephone conversation with Mr Serguey Narychkin, President of the State Duma of the Russian Federation
• Telephone conversation with Mr Oleksander Turchynov, President of the Ukrainian Parliament
• Telephone meeting with Mr Philip Leach, Professor of Human Rights Law, Director of the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC), School of Law, Middlesex University, for a chapter in his book on «The Council of Europe – Its Laws and Policies.»
• Meeting with OSCE Representatives :
• Professor Alexey Avtonomov, Personal Representative to the OSCE Chairman in Office on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination, also focusing on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of Other Religions, Moscow
• Rabbi Andrew Baker, Personal Representative to the OSCE Chairman in Office on Combating Anti-Semitism, Washington D.C.
• Professor Talip Küçükcan, Personal Representative to the OSCE Chairman in Office on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims, Ankara

2. Briefings with Council of Europe departments and bodies (in chronological order)

• Mr Jean-Marie Heydt, President of the INGO Conference
• M. José Frederico Ludovice and Mr Niall Sheerin, Director and Deputy Director of the North-South Center of the Council of Europe
• Mr Andreia Henriques, Mr Miguel Silva et Ms Dalia Sendra, Responsible respectively for the Youth, Education to world citizenship and Women co-operation Departments of the North South Center
• Ms Tina Mulcahy, Head a.i. of the Youth Department, Ms Bridget O’Loughlin, Non-formal education and training, Mr Rui Gomes, Head of Division, Non-formal education and training, European Youth Centre

3. Meetings with the diplomatic community (in chronological order)

• Ambassador Luisella Pavan-Woolfe, Head of the delegation of the European Union to the Council of Europe
• Mr Paul Schmit, Ambassador of Luxembourg in Portugal
• Mr Mykola Tochytskyi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Ukraine
• Mr Peter Gunning, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Ireland
• Mr Ermin Eyyubov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan
• Mr Luis Javier Gil Catalina, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Spain
• Ms Ellen Berends, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the Netherlands

4. Contact with the media : interviews given in April and May 2014 (in chronological order)

Media	Type	Country
TO VIMA	Newspaper	Greece
AZER PRESS	Press Agency	Azerbaijan
APA VIENNE	Press Agency	Austria
Various media	Press conference	Baku, Azerbaijan