Georgia, Tbilisi, July 2 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /
The Council of Europe believes that protecting IDP and refugee rights is a priority, Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland and Cabinet of Ministers Chairman and Slovenian Foreign Minister Antonio Miloslovski told journalists today after meeting with Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze.
Jagland said the meeting focused on the council's potential assistance to individuals who suffered in the 2008 August war.
"The Council of Europe is the most powerful human rights mechanism in Europe," Jagland said. "We must use all tools to protect the rights of refugees and this is the main purpose of our visit."
Meanwhile, Miloslovski said the meeting focused on the mandatory observance of the council's principles, including the principle of Georgia's territorial integrity.
"We appreciate the government's steps taken toward the occupied territories. When Macedonia becomes the Council of Europe's chairman, the Georgia issue will be the priority," he said.
A Council of Europe delegation arrived in Tbilisi this morning. The delegation includes Jagland, and Miloslovski, Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister David Jalagania said earlier today.
Their visit agenda includes meetings with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, Parliamentary Speaker David Bakradze, State Reintegration Minister Temur Yakobashvili and Refugees and Resettlement Minister Koba Subeliani.
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