The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine “has become the most sincere and strongest guarantor of security for this continent”.
“Such an achievement deserves consistent and maximum support for this country, which defends European values. We must increase pressure on the state that attacks these values. Pressure and assistance require much more than financial support – accountability for the crimes committed is also necessary,” Sandu said.
In this context, the president emphasized the importance of Moldova’s participation in the international mechanisms set up to investigate the crimes committed against Ukraine.
“It is very important that Moldova becomes one of the founding states of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, established by the Council of Europe. The prosecution will be ensured through the Register of Damages for all crimes committed against Ukraine,” the president said.
Also, Maia Sandu announced the transfer of the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to Monaco.
“Moldova is a country that for many years has been striving for rapprochement with Europe, looking for a reference point and a sense of belonging in Europe. Today, Europe meets here, at our home. The chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has become a serious responsibility for us. For six months, we have been active and have contributed to decisions that are meaningful to the Member States, their citizens and the values that the Council of Europe defends. Today we are handing over the chairmanship to Monaco,” Sandu stated.
“A strong signal for Europe.”
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, commenting on the Moldovan President’s speech, said that defending Ukraine means defending the very idea of Europe – a Europe based on human dignity, democracy, solidarity and the rule of law.
“Moldova’s democratic resilience is a strong signal for Europe. It shows that democratic societies are able to resist manipulation when state institutions are strong and European values remain the compass that guides the country. Thank you, Madam President, for your strong European leadership,” he said.
Agreement on the Management Committee of the Special Tribunal
During the 135th ministerial session of the Council of Europe, chaired by Moldova, the government also adopted a resolution on the creation of a Partial Extended Agreement on the Management Committee of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
The document envisages the creation of a Management Committee, which will provide financing, as well as administrative and organizational support for the tribunal’s activity. The Special Tribunal itself will be given a mandate to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
