Frank Belfrage addresses the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

The State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Frank Belfrage addressed the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 30 September reporting on Sweden's chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The main theme was the conflict between the Russian Federation and Georgia. The State Secretary for Foreign Affairs emphasised that the conflict is a major challenge for the international community and for the Council of Europe and the basic values on which the organisation is founded.

"The conclusions of the Council of Europe's informal ministerial meeting provide a sound basis for continued action, especially for cooperation and assistance, with the aim of securing respect for the Council's norms and values in the region," said the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

During his visit to the Council of Europe, the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs had talks with President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Lluis de Puig, Secretary-General of the Council of Europe Terry Davis and President of the European Court of Human Rights Jean Paul Costa.