The Council of Europe stands in solidarity with Israel – Maria Percinovich Buric

 Strasbourg/14.10.23/Turan: Secretary General of the Council of Europe Maria Percinovich Buric condemned the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians, Turan’s special correspondent reports from Strasbourg. Buric also welcomed the actions of European governments to protect Jewish communities. At the same time, she called on Israel to respect the principle of proportionality and strictly protect civilians in its response.

“The outbreak of terror in Israel, a long-time partner of our organization, is terrible. I condemn in the strongest possible terms the terrorist crimes of Hamas, which have claimed the lives of so many innocent people and caused so many injuries. The Council of Europe stands firmly in support of the victims, their families and their loved ones. Our support and solidarity are complete and unconditional,” said the CE Secretary General.

“I also welcome the decisive action takens by our member state governments to block the path of extremists on all sides to prevent the Middle East conflict from being exported to Europe. Our fellow citizens of the Jewish faith must continue to feel safe in their homes,” she continued.

Anti-Semitism - no matter where it comes from - is unacceptable and must be fought mercilessly, Buric emphasized. “The Council of Europe is a peace project. Our organization is determined to protect the prosperity of Jewish communities in our member-states, wherever they are. Peaceful coexistence is based on mutual understanding and respect,” the CE Secretary General further noted.

At the same time, she called on the Israeli authorities, in their “legitimate response to the aggression suffered, to remain true to our democratic values, respect the principle of proportionality and strictly protect civilians. “The necessary response of democratic countries to terrorism cannot and should not contradict our values,” Buric concluded. -16B-