Today at 15:39
Secretary General Alain Berset spoke to the Ministers’ Deputies today about the ongoing peace talks related to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, UATV English informs.
He outlined the Council of Europe’s continued support for Ukraine and explained how the organisation could help strengthen peace in a post-war setting, urging member and observer states as well as the European Union to include these elements in any peace process.
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset told ministers’ deputies that the organisation should be integrated into any future peace process aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, arguing it can provide “unique expertise” needed to secure a just and lasting post-war settlement.
Speaking as talks continue in Geneva, Berset said it remained too early to judge their outcome, but called it “positive” that a structured proposal is now on the table—while stressing that fighting and civilian deaths continue.
He pointed to Russia’s 19 November aerial attacks on Ternopil, describing them as particularly shocking, and said the civilian death toll there has risen to 34, including six children.
Berset said the Council of Europe has backed Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion and is prepared to contribute where it has the most added value, including support on elections, reparations, minority rights and languages, religious tolerance, humanitarian issues, and steps linked to EU accession. He also highlighted potential assistance from the Venice Commission on constitutional reforms and efforts to restore democratic local and judicial institutions in de-occupied areas.
He noted that any peace agreement’s provisions would have to be compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, with the Strasbourg Court ultimately assessing their effects. Berset also underlined the role of the Council of Europe’s Register of Damage and a future Claims Commission as tools for reparations.
He said a Hague diplomatic conference on 16 December will address implementation of a core peace-process element, and welcomed Switzerland and Türkiye’s initiatives to facilitate negotiations.
As previously reported, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Russia has no say in Ukraine’s accession to the Alliance.
Read also: Rutte: Russia has no say in Ukraine’s NATO membership
