New CoE Secretary General: Main priority is Ukraine

Immediately after the results of elections to the international human rights organization were announced, Berset made his first public statement at the Palace of Europe in Strasbourg, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"Our main priority -- and we all understand why -- is Ukraine. And when we are talking about Ukraine, we are talking not just about the country, we are talking about Ukrainians. We are talking about their children, and the Council of Europe is very actively involved in all these issues," Berset said.

He expressed his intention to expand the activities and discuss as soon as possible at the level of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Committee of Ministers and prepare proposals on all current and future aspects of support.

"We must act quickly both with regard to the compensation mechanism and the Register of Damage and with regard to strengthening the protection of Ukraine. We are aware that we must comply with our obligations, and I promise to be devoted to this cause," Berset said.

Former Swiss President Alain Berset will head the Council of Europe for the next five years.