The Slovak Republic took over the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe

• 13.11.2007, 17:46

On 12 of November 2007 the Slovak Republic took over the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe for the next six months. Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Ján Kubiš presented the programme of the Slovak Chairmanship.

The Chairmanship of Slovak Republic gives the organization a new motion by means of its priorities that it strives to implement with support of the member states.

The Slovak Republic shall focus on the following priorities:

-Promoting a citizens’ Europe,

-A Transparent and Efficient CoE

-Respect for and Promotion of core values: human rights, rule of law and democracy.

Aiming to contribute to an ideal Europe free from crises and conflicts, the Slovak republic will support both the strengthening of security and stability in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe.

Belarus is the only European state that has neither met the criteria for Council of Europe membership nor has official relations, yet. The Slovak Chairmanship is interested in carrying out such activities that would change Belarus´ attitude with respect to meeting the criteria for membership.