Crnadak at the Council of Europe sought a new chance for BiH

(Patria) - BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Crnadak addressed the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe at its 129th session in Helsinki today. During his address in the official part of the meeting, the minister particularly emphasized the importance of the Council of Europe, as well as the achievements and role this organization has played over the past 70 years in building trust and understanding in Europe.

"Numerous problems and crises still lie before us, but the answer must always be the same – the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and respect for diversity. Only by defending these fundamental values of the Council of Europe will we ensure stability and a secure future for our continent, for the 47 countries and nearly 850 million people we represent," said Minister Crnadak.

The Minister called on the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to adopt a decision that would open the possibility for the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH to be given another chance to appoint the BiH delegation before the June session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, so that BiH can also participate in making important decisions such as the election of the new Secretary General of the Council of Europe, as well as in marking the significant jubilee – 70 years of the Council of Europe's existence.

Furthermore, Minister Crnadak highlighted the importance of the European Convention on Human Rights and its consistent application. He supported the development of the Council of Europe's good neighborly relations policy and welcomed the progress made in the cooperation between the Council of Europe and the European Union, as these are organizations with the same values and goals.

Minister Crnadak will also attend the official ceremony of the handover of the Presidency of the Council of Europe to France, which will lead this organization until November 2019.