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RenÃ© van der Linden holds last press conference as PACE president

21 January 2008 14:28 (UTC +04:00)

In the last press conference as PACE president RenÃ© van der Linden spoke about his three-year activity. He said that the activities mainly based on three priorities â€“ dialogue among religions and cultures, improving civil society and strengthening the relations with Russia. Speaking about the democratic processes in the member countries, PACE President underlined that democracy has differed in various countries in terms of history and mentality.
â€œFor example, in the Netherlands we achieved it within 200 years, thatâ€™s why I think that we should be very careful while criticizing any country,â€ he said.
Touching on CE-Russia relations RenÃ© van der Linden said they worked with this country mainly in three directions.
â€œWe can note Russian parliamentâ€™s ratifying the 6th protocol of European Convention concerning the abolition of the death penalty, 14th protocol connected with judicial reforms and activities carried out for democratic development, role of opposition and equality of media in Russia. I should say that great importance should be attached to the relations with the Council of Europe, European Union and Russia for complete stability of Europe,â€ he said.
RenÃ© van der Linden also said he had published a book on his three-year activity. The book covers RenÃ© van der Lindenâ€™s notes on the results of his mandate and will be presented today. /APA/