Azernews.Az

Former president of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE), British MP Lord Russell-Johnston passed away in Paris on Sunday.
Russell-Johnston was suffering from bone cancer and undergoing chemo-therapy. Despite his illness, he continued working in the CE and dealing with human rights issues.
Russell-Johnston was to turn 76 on Monday.
The incumbent PACE President, Lluis Maria de Puig, has expressed his deepest sadness and sorrow at the death of Lord Russell-Johnston, and extended his condolences to his family.
"It is a sad day for all defenders of justice, peace and humanity. He leaves a great void in the hearts of all Europeans who had the privilege of crossing his path. His passion for European politics and his sense of friendship will always remain", de Puig said.
"We need moralpolitik, not realpolitik, was the message that guided him through his longstanding political career. Lord Russell-Johnston always behaved in a European way, basing attitudes on values. He worked relentlessly to extend the boundaries of human rights, because he was convinced that no other approach can so well secure peace, prosperity and freedom.
"In the Council of Europe, we are proud of our values, principles and standards. May I thank Lord Russell-Johnston, on behalf of our Assembly, for his tremendous contribution for making Europe a more humane and better place", the PACE president concluded.
The Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis said in a statement that Russell-Johnston had made an exceptional contribution to the CE.
"Everyone in Strasbourg is shocked and distressed by the news of the death of Lord Russell-Johnston…We have lost a great parliamentarian who passionately believed in a wider Europe where everyone would enjoy democracy, human rights and the rule of law," he said.
Russell-Johnston headed the Parliamentary Assembly from 1999 to 2002 and acted as its member for 23 years. He also chaired the PACE subcommittee on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict.