The issue of holding the Third Summit is yet again on our agenda. It arose from a dear sense that the changes our continent is undergoing call for the definition of new priorities for this pan-European Organisation. But the simplicity of this conclusion is contradicted by the prolonged and complicated debate process in bringing about this decision. I would like to therefore reiterate the main grounds behind Croatia´s support for holding the Summit next year in Warsaw.
Neven MADEY, Croatian Ambassador to the Council of Europe, 13 May 2004:
´The issue of holding the Third Summit is yet again on our agenda. It arose from a dear sense that the changes our continent is undergoing call for the definition of new priorities for this pan-European Organisation. But the simplicity of this conclusion is contradicted by the prolonged and complicated debate process in bringing about this decision. I would like to therefore reiterate the main grounds behind Croatia´s support for holding the Summit next year in Warsaw.
Firstly, the influence that European Union enlargement will have on the overall state of affairs on our continent has been sensed by many as a factor that will reflect on the future work of this Organisation. It has also been seen as an opportunity for new and enhanced partnership between the European Union and the Council of Europe. This partnership should be based on complementarity and common objectives. My country fully believes that this approach should be strongly pursued. Since the European Union has been recently enlarged, the Third Summit would be an important event to discuss these issues.
Secondly, the Third Summit should also be an opportunity for the member states of our Organisation to restate clearly and beyond any doubt their commitment to building a Europe without dividing lines, and upholding its fundamental values. The Council of Europe should maintain its leading role in the promotion of standards of democratisation, the rule of law and human rights throughout our continent.
Thirdly, we support the argument that in a changing Europe there is still a distinct and important io1e for the Council of Europe. The legacy of this Organisation must be preserved and further developed. My Minister explained yesterday where Croatia sees its political relevance. There is no doubt that a fresh look is required in defining the priorities of action, including the increasingly important contemporary issues such as social cohesion. This fresh look can be best provided by decision makers at the Summit.
All these reasons call for a well prepared and successful Third Summit of Heads of States and Governments. Croatia is looking forward to the final agreement on this Issue and we fully understand in y reasoning and concerns explained to us today by Poland, the host country.
One of the most pressing issues we are confronting is the fight against terrorism. Terrorism is in opposition to what the Council of Europe stands for. It constitutes a threat to the fundamental principles of international order, to the shared values of freedom, peace, democracy, human rights, justice and security of humankind. It is a global concern that largely affects everyone, from individual victims to states. Terrorist acts in all forms and manifestations, which are committed regardless of when, where or by whom, directly impinge upon the security and stability of the international system as a whole.
Europe is not spared this scourge. Dreadful terrorist attacks recently occurred in member states of our Organisation, such as Russia, Turkey and Spain. As we see the rising waves of terrorism and violence reaching the shores of Europe, the Council of Europe is called to act and make the best use of the means available to organise the fight against this scourge. The Organisation should also bring its comparative advantages to the international fight against terrorism by employing Its well-known capabilities and expertise in eliminating the grievances that create the breeding ground for terrorism.
In this context, Mr. Chairman, I would like to express appreciation for the comprehensive work and efforts of the Committee of Experts on Terrorism (CODEXTER). We believe that the Organisation can further contribute to the suppression of terrorism by closing the gaps in international law that are identified by our experts, primarily through the elaboration of the necessary instruments and actions.
And finally, Mr. Chairman, while considering future action of the Council of Europe on elaborating new instruments related to terrorism, we should not lose sight of already existing documents The legal instruments of the Council of Europe, namely, the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism and its amending Protocol, are extremely important and complementary to the United Nations efforts in this field. Fully recognising this fact, Croatia has ratified the convention and signed its Protocol, which it intends to ratify soon."
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