The Council of Europe has raised serious concerns over new Israeli legislation expanding the use of the death penalty for Palestinians, warning it could mark a setback for human rights standards.

Alain Berset, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, emphasized the need for “all political forces” in Georgia to “open a dialogue, engage in dialogue, and uphold and respect democratic principles” during his visit to the country on Friday.

Former Swiss President Alain Berset was elected Secretary General of the Council of Europe Tuesday, the parliamentary arm of the continent's human rights organisation said on social media.