PACE President: "I don't support giving independence to areas populated by national minorities in Europe"

Rene van der Linden said a report on Lebanon, illegal migration in Europe, situation in Kosovo will be discussed at the plenary session. Russia-Georgia problems will be discussed between the parliamentary delegations of the two countries and PACE authorities, APA's European bureau correspondent reports.

During the press conference, PACE President was asked questions on the Kosovo issue and Russia-Georgia relations. "The relations between Russia and Georgia, which are both members of the Council of Europe, are developing more and more into a serious conflict, and this cannot but evoke concern. We urge both parties to show restraint, not to politicise the situation, to display a sense of responsibility and to find ways of settling the controversial problems by peaceful means," Mr.van der Linden said.

PACE President also commenting on French President Jacques Chirac's statement "Turkey has to recognize the false 'Armenian genocide' to become the European Union member" said, "It is not new that Jacques Chirac has made such statements. The game has already started. You cannot change the rules of the game while it is on. Like other European states, France signed a document to start discussions on Turkey's EU membership. Jacques Chirac has made a mere political statement. I do not think this position is right," Mr. van der linden said.

PACE President also said he does not agree to Chirac's comment on the principle of determining fate of national minorities and stressed that he does not support giving independence to areas in Europe where national minorities live.