May 11, 2010 – Washington, D.C. – The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) congratulated the Republic of Macedonia today for the start of the Macedonian Chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s (CoE) Committee of Ministers. UMD wished Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Antonio Miloshoski success in chairing the CoE’s Committee of Ministers.
Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Miloshoski announced today in Strasbourg, France the priorities of his country’s program, focusing on the following areas: strengthening human rights protection; fostering integration while respecting diversity; and promoting youth participation. The Macedonian Chairmanship 2010 presents an opportunity to enhance the Council of Europe’s standing in the international community, and highlight contributions it has made towards strengthening Europe’s legal standards, human rights, democratic development, the rule of law and cultural co-operation.
“This is an historic day for Macedonia and the Macedonian people, taking over the chairmanship of the oldest pan-European organization” stated UMD Chairman of the Board and Vice President Aleksandar Mitreski. “The Macedonian Diaspora stands firmly behind Macedonia’s goals of strengthening the Council of Europe and positioning it as a leader in human rights protection, fostering integration while respecting diversity, and youth participation.”
“The Council of Europe, through its institutions such as the European Court of Human Rights, and the Commissioner for Human Rights, has become a respected organization among Macedonians living throughout Southeast Europe and the world,” added Mitreski. “Today, Macedonians are proud to continuously contribute to the success of the Council of Europe, and hope that human rights for all citizens, and especially for Macedonians, will be respected in every country in Europe.”
Founded in 1949, the Council of Europe, one of the oldest international organizations, has 47 member states representing close to 800 million citizens. The Foreign Affairs Ministers of Council of Europe member states hold the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers, the executive body of the organization, on a rotating basis in alphabetical order, for a six-month term. The Macedonian Chairmanship 2010 will last till mid-November.
Official Macedonian Chairmanship 2010 website, click HERE .
Calendar of Events and Priorities of Macedonian Chairmanship 2010, click HERE .