The reform of the Council of Europe, the election of a new Secretary General, simplification of the procedures, related to proceedings of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) were the main topics on the agenda of the 119th session of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers on Tuesday.

The session brought together foreign ministers and representatives of the 47 member states of the organization. It commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Council of Europe, established on May 5, 1949.

The future of CoE should be built up based on effective partnership with other organizations and the principle of mutual complementarity, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin said addressing the forum. "It is our responsibility to preserve and promote cooperation among the governments in the context of the internal reform within CoE.

Kalfin told journalists that the Council of Europe should not exceed its powers and stick to already established mechanisms focusing on human rights and compliance with the supremacy of the law.

According to Kalfin, social problems should also be in the focus of attention of the organization.

Source: BTA