OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3

OSCE's parlamentariske Forsamling 2006-07
OSCE Alm.del Bilag 6
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OSCE's parlamentariske Forsamling

OSCE alm. del - Bilag 6

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OSCE's parlamentariske Forsamling 2006-07

OSCE Alm.del - Bilag 6

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PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

Heads of Delegations

Members of the Bureau

Officers of the General Committees

Permanent Missions to the OSCE

Secretaries of Delegations

Brussels Annual Session Report

R. Spencer Oliver

Secretary General of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

October 13 2006

DATE:

I am very pleased to forward to you copies of the Report on the Brussels

Annual Session held in July, for distribution to Members of your delegation. As the

report shows, the Session was a great success in which major issues of concern to the

OSCE and to all OSCE citizens were addressed. You and your governments will

already have received copies of the Brussels Declaration, which is also available on

our website at www.oscepa.org.

The enclosed summary Report, prepared by the International Secretariat, is

designed to provide a general overview of the Session for the Members who

participated as well as for all others interested in the events which took place.

If you have any questions or comments on this report, please do not hesitate to

contact the International Secretariat.

Yours sincerely,

R. Spencer Oliver

Secretary General

Raadhusstraede 1. 1466 Copenhagen K.. Denmark

Phone: +45 33 37 80 40 - Fax: +45 33 37 80 30 - E-mail OSCE(doscepa.dk - Website: www.oscepa.org

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

RY ASSEMBLY

PARLIAMENTA

Co-operatio

ization for Security and

Organ

n in Europe

Report

on the

l Session

5th Annua

Brussels

oøøe

BRUSSELS

ternationa

pared by the OSCE PA In

Pre

Copenhagen

l Secretariat,

3-7 JULY 2006

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

Monday. 3 July

08.00 - 09.00

09.30 - 12.30

12.30 - 14.00

14.00 -15.30

Organization for Security and Co-

ope

ration in Europe

PARLIAMENTARY ASSEM

BLY

Programme of the 15th Annua

l Session, Brussels

Wednesday, 5 July

Working Breakfast on Gender Iss

ues

07.00 - 09.00

Meeting of the Standing Comm

ittee

09.30 - 11.00

Lunch break

Inaugural Plenary Session:

Call to order and opening remark

s by Alcee L.

Hastings, President of the OSCE

09.30 - 11.00

Address by Mr. Herman De Croo

, President of the

Belgian House of Representative

s, and Mrs. Anne-

Marie Lizin, President of the Be

lgian Senate

Addresses by Senior Official(s)

11.30 - 13.00

of the Host country

Address by the Chairman-in-Offic

e of the OSCE,

H.E. Mr. Karel De Gucht, Minis

ter of Foreign Affairs

13.00 - 14.30

of Belgium, followed by a quest

ion/answer session

14.30 - 16.00

Coffee break

Plenary Session (cont.):

Addresses by the Presidents fro

m the invited

Parliamentary Assemblies

14.30 - 16.00

Address by Mr. Marc Perrin De

Brichambaut,

OSCE Secretary General

Report by Ms. Tone Tingsgård,

OSCE PA Special

Representative on Gender Issues

16.30 - 18.00

followed by a debate

Consideration of Supplementary

items

Opening reception offered at the

Royal Castle in

Laeken in the presence of his Ma

Evening

jesty the KingAlbert II

Time reserved for meetings of var

ious groups

General Committee on Democra

cy,

Human Rights and Humanitari

an Questions

Debate (cont.)

Consideration of amendments

General Committee on Econom

ic Affairs, Science,

Technology and Environment

Debate (cont.)

Consideration of amendments

General Committee on Political

Affairs and Security

Debate (cont.)

Consideration of amendments

Lunch break

General Committee on Econom

ic Affairs, Science

Technology and Environment

Consideration of amendments and

adoption of Resolution

Supplementary items

General Committee on Democra

cy,

Human Rights and Humanitarian

Questions

Consideration of amendments and

adoption of Resolution

Supplementary items

General Committee on Political

Affairs and Security

Consideration of amendments and

adoption of Resolution

Supplementary items

Culinary evening in the premises

of the Belgian

Federal Parliament offered by

Mr Herman De Croo,

the President of the House of rep

resentatives and

Mrs Anne-Marie Lizin, the Pre

sident of the Senate

15.30 -16.00

16.00 - 18.00

Evening

Tuesday. 4 July

07.00 - 09.00

09.00 - 11.00

Time reserved for meetings of

various groups

General Committee on Political

Affairs and Security

Opening remarks by Mr. Giiran

Lennmarker,

Chair of the Committee;

Introduction of the Draft Resoluti

on by Mr.

Wolfgang Grossruck, Rapport

eur;

Debate

General Committee on Democra

cy,

Human Rights and Humanitarian

Questions

Opening remarks by Ms. Cecil

ia Wigstrom,

Acting Chair of the Committee;

Introduction of the Draft Resoluti

on by Mrs. Anne-

Marie Lizin, Rapporteur;

Debate

General Committee on Econom

ic Affairs, Science,

Technology and Environment

Opening remarks by Mr. Benja

min Cardin, Chair of

the Committee

Introduction of the Draft Resoluti

on by Mr. Roland

Blum, Rapporteur

Debate

Mediterranean Side Meeting

Excursion to Bruges

Thursday. 6 July

07.00 - 09.00

09.00 -11.00

Time reserved for meetings of var

ious groups

General Committee on Econom

ic Affairs, Science,

Technology and Environment

Supplementary items

Election of the Committee Offic

ers

General Committee on Democra

cy,

Human Rights and Humanitarian

Questions

Supplementary items

Election of the Committee Offic

ers

Meeting of the Bureau

General Committee on Political

Affairs and Security

Supplementary items

Election of the Committee Of

ficers

Lunch break

Plenary Session

General debate

09.00 - 11.00

09.00 -11.00

11.10-11.30

11.30 -13.30

13.30 - 15.00

15.00 -18.00

Friday. 7 July

07.00 - 09.00

09.30 - 12.30

11.30 -13.30

12.00 -14.00

14.15 - evening

12.30

Time reserved for meetings of

various groups

Plenary Session

Report by Mr. Jerry Grafstein, Tre

asurer

Report by Mr. R. Spencer Oliver

, Secretary General

Consideration of Committee Re

solutions

Adoption of the Final Docum

ent

Election of the Assembly Officers

Adjournment immediately follow

ed by a reception

offered by the President of the OS

CE PA

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

ssels, 2006

nnual Session, Bru

Report on the .1,51"

1191

Introduction

ON_

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4111r

-44

Annual Session in

ssembly met for its 15th

E Parliamentary A

Session, which

3 to 7 July 2006 the OSC

From

beyond took part in the

ss the OSCE and

the Assembly

rliamentarians from acro

Brussels. Pa

the end of the Session

ean Parliament. At

the fields of

e premises of the Europ

cal recommendations in

as held in th

political and techni

ssels Declaration is

ssels Declaration with

passed the Bru

anitarian issues. The Bru

tal affairs and hum

E Region'.

, economics, environmen

security

uman Security in the OSC

: `Strengthening H

et in the Standing

the theme of the Session

focused on

Heads of Delegation m

of the Session, the

year, upon the

to the official opening

Prior

et for the coming fiscal

ee approved the budg

tivities, the

. The Standing Committ

Secretary General on ac

Committee

ing a report by the

and on work by the

of the Treasurer. Follow

recommendation

n observation activities

rts on recent electio

of Delegations heard repo

Heads

oc Committees.

ee L. Hastings,

Representatives and Ad H

bly was addressed by Alc

Assembly's Special

n on 3 July, the Assem

atives; Anne-

e Opening Plenary Sessio

During th

gian House of Represent

President of the Bel

Office of the

ident; Herman De Croo,

E PA Pres

De Gucht, Chairman-in-

OSC

Senate; H.E. Karel

e Council of Europe;

esident of the Belgian

Marie Lizin, Pr

mentary Assembly of th

esident of the Parlia

Representative on

Rene Van der Linden, Pr

OSCE;

the OSCE. The Special

Secretary General of

ary Session.

Perrin de Brichambaut,

and Marc

ered her report to the Plen

ingsgård also deliv

t issues within

es, Vice-President Tone T

ees met to discuss curren

Gender Issu

ree General Committ

6 July, the Assembly's th

From 4 to

aft resolutions.

e resolutions

to consider and amend dr

eir fi elds of work, and

enary to consider all of th

bly again met in pl

WI-an Lennmarker

y of the Session, the Assem

On the final da

ng, the Assembly elected

tion. Before adjourni

opt the Brussels Declara

the Assembly.

and to ad

as well as other officers of

ident,

of Sweden as its new Pres

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

Report on the 15' Annua

l Session, Brussels, 2006

Standing Committee Meetin

The Standing Committee of He

ads of Delegations

The Treasurer of the Assembly,

met prior to the official open

Senator Jerry Graf

ing of the Annual Ses- stein fro

m Canada, reported on the exce

sion. OSCE PA President Alce

llent financial

e L. Hastings (USA) state of

the Assembly and informed the

welcomed Members and info

Standing Com-

rmed them about the mittee

that the PA had received a fa

admittance of the Republic of

vourable report

Montenegro as the 56th from

its external auditors for the 13

participating State of the OSCE

th straight year.

, a decision taken just a The Tr

easurer thanked the Internatio

few weeks prior to the opening

nal Secretariat

of the PA Session. The for its co

ntinued co-operation and the ef

Standing Committee decided to

fective finan-

propose to the Assem- cial ad

ministration by the Secretary Ge

bly to grant Montenegro full m

neral and the

embership in accord- Financial

Assistant. Senator Grafstein hi

ance with the Assembly's Rules

ghlighted his

of Procedure.

goal of obtaining a full year's

In his last address to the Standing

budget in the reserve

Committee as Pres- allocation

s and explained that great progre

ident of the OSCE PA, Congre

ss had been

ssman Hastings thanked made

towards this end. Subsequent to

his colleagues for their co-opera

the Report of the

tion and the warm hos- Treasu

rer, the Standing Committee ad

pitality he had experienced durin

opted the pro-

g his numerous visits posed bu

dget for 2006-2007.

to participating States. Presid

ent Hastings briefed the

In his report, OSCE PA Secreta

Heads of Delegations about hi

ry General Spencer

s activities since the Oliver

summarized the activities of th

Winter Meeting in February and

e Assembly's

emphasized the impor- Interna

tional Secretariat during the pa

tant role that Parliamentarians pl

st six months.

ay in adding visibility He hi

ghlighted the Assembly's bulle

and political leadership to OSCE

tin, News from

election observation Copenh

agen, which provides a good ov

missions. Hastings also highlig

erall picture of

hted the importance of the As

sembly's activities, and of the ef

parliamentary meetings and said

forts of the many

: "Such dialogue and Membe

rs of the Assembly who regular

discussion is an exceptional lea

ly contribute to

rning experience and the work

of the Assembly. The Secretary

provides tremendous insight to

General also

the new prospects and welco

med the new Conference Co-ord

challenges facing the region and

inator, Ms. Odile

the OSCE."

Lelarge, to the staff.

The Heads of Delegations also

heard a report by the

Sub-Committee that has been

working on proposed

changes to the Rules of Procedur

e. The Sub-Committee

put forward a Report at the Winter

Meeting in February,

and had decided that more cons

ultations were needed

before presenting its final re

port to the Standing

Committee at the Autumn Meetin

gs in November.

Members of the Standing Comm

ittee heard reports on

the Assembly's recent election ob

servation missions to

Belarus, Ukraine, the partial reru

n of the parliamentary

elections in Azerbaijan, and

the referendum on

independence in Montenegro. Pr

esident Hastings, who

served as the OSCE Chairman-in

-Office's Special Co-

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

on, Brussels, 2006

Report on the 15 Annual Sessi

on the

The Standing Committee was also briefed

in Belarus and

ordinator for the observation missions

Ad Hoc Committees and Spe-

. On the elections work of the Assembly's

Ukraine, reported on these two missions

Marie Lizin, President of the

:"the Belarusian cial Representatives. Anne-

in Belarus, President Hastings concluded

PA Special Representative on

n candidates and Belgian Senate and OSCE

people deserve better". Oppositio

report following her visit

t administration Guantanamo, presented her

parties were obstructed by the incumben

in Guantanamo Bay. Kimmo

who should lead. to the detention facilities

from giving voters a genuine choice in

ed on the work of the Ad Hoc

t the election was Kiljunen (Finland) report

In Ukraine, the observers concluded tha

expressed his concern over

gs congratulated Committee on Moldova and

"free and fair," and President Hastin

the increasing tension in the

de great progress the lack of progress and

colleagues from Ukraine on having ma

rk of the Ad Hoc Committee

ares (Portugal), region. Presenting the wo

in just a short period of time. Joåo So

Vice-President Tone Tingsgård

junction with the on Abkhazia (Georgia),

who headed the OSCE PA visit in con

an overview of the situation on

aijan, reported that from Sweden provided

partial rerun of the elections in Azerb

and expressed her regret that no

campaign leading the ground in Abkhazia

progress was made with regard to the

de with regard to finding a solu-

of public trust in progress has been ma

up to the rerun, yet noted that the level

on the first visit of the Commit-

. Senator Jerry tion. She also reported

the election administration remains low

zia, in June 2006. Uta Zapf

of the OSCE PA tee to the region of Abkha

Grafstein, who served as Deputy Head

Working Group on Belarus

in Montenegro (Germany) reported on the

mission to the independence referendum

te of the resolution adopted by

the referendum and regretted that in spi

informed the Standing Committee that

on in 2005, no progress had

commitments. the Assembly in Washingt

was conducted overall in line with OSCE

e of Congressman Christopher

eed on the need been made. In the absenc

In the ensuing discussion Members agr

al Representative on Trafficking in

ation programme Smith (USA), Speci

to continue the current election observ

essman Joseph Fitts delivered a

bly in this regard. Human Beings, Congr

and to strengthen the role of the Assem

and tragic human consequences

a set of objective report stressing the scope

Members also discussed establishing

nnmarker, Special Representa-

the need for all of trafficking. Gåran Le

criteria of elections standards, and

rno Karabakh Conflict, regretted that

nal observation of tive on the Nago

negotiation

participating States to allow internatio

no breakthrough had been obtained in the

currently a

their elections.

process and repeated his view that there is

conflict in

golden opportunity to finding a solution to the

lli (Slovenia),

the OSCE-led negotiations. Roberto Batte

e, presented

Special Representative on South East Europ

ed an overview

his first report on his activities and provid

CE Missions

of the activities and the situation in the OS

in the region.

mmittee

Considering future work, the Standing Co

ing events,

heard reports on preparations for upcom

lta in Novem-

including the Autumn Meetings in Ma

in February

ber 2006, the Winter Meeting in Vienna

Copenhagen

2007, the Expanded Bureau Meeting in

ll be hosted by

and the Economic Conference which wi

Andorra in 2007.

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

Report on the 15th Annual Session, Brussels, 2006

Opening Plenary Session

PA,ALIAM

NTARY

•

MEINN

iII ',41

PARCIAMENTAR„

;tLY

SSEMBL-

expressed his hope that the Ministerial Council would

bring added impetus to the Organization's work.

President Hastings gave a brief overview of the main

activities of the Assembly during the past year, in which

the PA has continued to facilitate inter-parliamentary

dialogue and provide a link between the OSCE

governmental structures and elected representatives. He

noted the progress the OSCE has made, growing from

35 States to 56, from a Conference to an Organization.

Continuing, he urged critical thinking regarding how

the Organization can work most effectively in the

future, including through reforms to uphold efficiency

and credibility.

Congressman Hastings reiterated the Assembly's

strong support for the OSCE's field missions. He also

noted the importance of making the public more aware

of the OSCE and its activities, as well as his own

efforts towards strengthening the transatlantic relation-

ship. The Congressman urged Mediterranean States to

apply the framework of the OSCE and its experience in

overcoming divisions.

Prior to proceeding with the regular business of the

15th Annual Session, the Assembly officially welcomed

the delegation from the Republic of Montenegro,

which had recently joined the OSCE, to the Assembly.

Ranko Krivokapic, Head of the new Delegation and

President of the Montenegrin Parliament, addressed

the Assembly, and stressed Montenegro's commitment

to stability and democracy.

Opening Remarks by Alcee L. Hastings,

President of the

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

President Hastings opened the 15th Annual Session,

and, on behalf of the Assembly, warmly thanked the Fed-

eral Parliament of Belgium for the generous assistance

and hospitality in hosting the meeting. He applauded

the remarkable involvement of the Belgian Delega-

tion in the work of the OSCE PA since its inception.

The President reiterated the Assembly's willingness to

co-operate closely with the OSCE Chairmanship, and

%NM

•

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

ssion, Brussels, 2006

Report on the 15'h Annual Se

the continuing

The President expressed his pride at

on observation

development of the OSCE PA's electi

ally led several

programme, noting that he had person

lined that the

observation missions. Hastings under

g their own

experience of parliamentarians in runnin

ertise and

elections gives them unique electoral exp

strengthen-

unmatched credibility. He urged continued

ing of this work by the Assembly.

all parlia-

Concluding, President Hastings thanked

to the work

mentarians for the time they have devoted

his grati-

of the Assembly, and particularly expressed

ed to him

tude for the support that Members had provid

during his mandate as President.

Address by Herman De Croo,

President of the

Belgian House of Representatives

tatives,

On behalf of the Belgian House of Represen

Brussels.

Herman De Croo welcomed the OSCE PA to

CE,

Mr. De Croo stressed the importance of the OS

European

which he noted has become a pillar of the

lgian com-

security architecture. He underlined the Be

values,

mitment to the Organization and to OSCE

airmanship

clearly demonstrated by the country's Ch

ers of the

work in 2006. The Speaker reminded Memb

ntarians to

Chairman-in-Office's invitation for parliame

Organiza-

participate in discussions on reform of the

OSCE PA

tion, and expressed his confidence that the

fully sup-

could contribute to this important debate. He

bly's June

ported the recommendations of the Assem

OSCE', and

2005 Colloquium on The Future of the

the Assem-

noted the need for a closer association of

In particular,

bly in OSCE decision-making processes.

the power to

he called for the Assembly to be given

neral.

approve the OSCE budget and Secretary Ge

work

Mr. De Croo stressed the importance of PA

tion, and

in the areas of conflict prevention and resolu

presentatives

highlighted the appointment of Special Re

to this end.

and Ad Hoc Committees as effective tools

vation work

Also, he noted the important election obser

politically

being done by the OSCE as one of the most

en by the

relevant aspects of work being undertak

contribution

Organization. Mr. De Croo highlighted the

PA election

made by Belgian parliamentarians to OSCE

o called on

observation missions. President De Croo als

ld missions

Members to continue to support OSCE fie

as the OSCE's most valuable assets.

fidence

Concluding, Mr. De Croo expressed his con

s, and that

that the coming Session would be a succes

tion and

it would raise the visibility of the Organiza

its work.

Address by Anne-Marie Lizin,

President of the Belgian Senate

the Bel-

Anne-Marie Lizin, who is also the Head of

d all partici-

gian Delegation to the OSCE PA, welcome

riate for the

pants to Belgium, noting that it was approp

center of

Assembly to be meeting in Brussels, at the

ropriate to

European democracy. In addition, it is app

nship of the

be in Belgium during the Belgian Chairma

OSCE, she noted.

participate

President Lizin invited all Members to

g in conjunc-

in a special side-event she was organizin

improving the

tion with the Annual Session, aimed at

protection of children from abuse.

reason to

Mrs. Lizin stressed that there was good

bly, but urged

be proud of the successes of the Assem

regard, she

continued and innovative work. In this

ities over the

noted that gaining oversight responsibil

anization is

budget of the executive side of an org

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

PA'

Report on the 15' Annual Session, Brussels, 2006

an important parliamentary role, as was done by the

European Parliament.

Mrs. Lizin noted the importance of the relationships

forged within the Assembly, and mentioned work

that she and the Belgian Senate had undertaken

together with parliamentarians from Kazakhstan as

an example of the benefits of these relations. The

Assembly has continued to be an important forum

for the advancement of democracy, but she noted

that not everything was perfect: more work remains

wiw

to be done in the field of gender equality, she said.

However, advances have been made, in this field and

in others, and she noted work by the Assembly's Ad

Hoc Committees and Special Representatives as an

excellent tool for focused work

Address by H.E. Karel De Gucht,

The Assembly must be willing to engage with

Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE

and discuss difficult and controversial issues such as

territorial integrity and protection of minorities, she

The Belgian Foreign Minister, who is also the Chair-

stressed. Also, it is important for the PA to examine and man-in-Office of the OSCE, welcomed the opportunity

talk about human rights issues in all OSCE states, both to address the PA. He noted the remarkable progress

East and West of Vienna. Mrs. Lizin noted that in her that has been made over 30 years, given that the coun-

capacity as Special Representative on Guantanamo, tries of Europe, the former Soviet Union, and North

she has recommended that American authorities lay America all gather for dialogue based upon the fun-

out a calendar detailing steps for closing the detention damental principles of the Helsinki Final Act and the

Charter of Paris. Similarly, dialogue between partner

center as soon as possible.

One of the most important topics to be addressed, institutions is important, and he noted his appreciation

Senator Lizin noted, has to do with election observa- for the Assembly's invitation to the Chairman-in-Office

tion by the OSCE. A good equilibrium between the to address its meetings.

Minister De Gucht stressed the importance of the

parliamentary and executive work must be achieved,

she said, and stressed that Members can be proud of Session's theme, `Strengthening Human Security in the

OSCE Region', noting that this has implications for

their work in this field.

Finally, Mrs. Lizin remarked on the active participa- all three OSCE dimensions. He noted the unique char-

tion of the Belgian Delegation in the OSCE PA, under- acteristics of the OSCE, which works to address the

needs of States as well as citizens.

lining the importance of the body.

The Minister reminded participants of the priorities

of the Belgian Chairmanship of the OSCE, in particu-

lar with regards to improving the effectiveness of the

Organization. He expressed his hope and confidence

that real solutions would be achieved by the end of

the year.

On the issue of electoral observation, the Minister

underlined that this was a collective responsibility of

the OSCE, and stressed that parliamentarians have a key

role to play and offer an invaluable contribution based

on their personal experience as elected officials. The

OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human

Rights also has a critical role in evaluating electoral

processes, he noted, underlining the relevance of the

1997 Co-operation Agreement between the OSCE PA

and the OSCE Chairman-in-Office.

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

on, Brussels, 2006

Report on the 15'" Annual Sessi

nts of his pri-

Minister De Gucht reminded participa

three traditional

ority of rebalancing OSCE work in the

rk in the field

OSCE dimensions. He remarked on wo

t the OSCE

of political-security relations, saying tha

issues such

is theoretically well-placed to deal with

is needed to

as military doctrine, but that more effort

Chairman-

realise this. In the second dimension, the

a of trans-

ship had been focusing on security in the are

nce to work

portation, as well as giving greater substa

e Minister

in the field of fighting organized crime. Th

led `frozen

noted the need for work in solving so-cal

gness and

conflicts', while stressing that greater willin

ts is need.

leadership by those involved in these conflic

Georgian-

He pointed to positive steps regarding the

Ossetian conflict and regarding Transdniestri

logue

The Chairman stressed the importance of dia

t also with

and co-operation between institutions, bu

r remarked

non-governmental organizations. He furthe

t for indi-

on OSCE efforts towards improving respec

the Chair-

vidual and collective identities, underlining

promoting

manship's commitment to further work in

man rights

tolerance. Respect for the rule of law and hu

noted, but

must be encouraged through dialogue, he

airmanship

this dialogue must go both ways. The Ch

such dia-

will continue to fulfil its role of facilitating

logue within the OSCE, he said.

n-Office

Following his address, the Chairman-i

the appoint-

answered Members' questions regarding

Trafficking,

ment of a Special Representative on

and the Par-

improving dialogue between the OSCE

n OSCE elec-

liamentary Assembly, efforts to strengthe

e of OSCE

tion observation, the need for independenc

observation

field missions, and the need for election

both East and West of Vienna.

INA

IpA

Address by Rene van der Linden,

President of the Parliamentary Assemb

of the Council of Europe

for their

President van der Linden thanked Members

remarked on

invitation to address the OSCE PA, and

Council of

the many aspects that the OSCE PA and the

Europe PA (PACE) have in common.

es had

He noted that traditionally, the two Assembli

t he looked

worked in close conjunction, and said tha

In particular,

forward to continuing to work together.

operation of

van der Linden mentioned the close co-

Troika on

the Assemblies through the Parliamentary

n chairing

South East Europe, which PACE has bee

results of

most recently. He noted some of the recent

this co-operation.

ted co-

President van der Linden also highligh

vation. He

operation in the field of election obser

rly consult

noted that the OSCE PA and PACE regula

issue joint

each other on observation missions, and

of continued

statements. He stressed the importance

ich entails

parliamentary involvement in this field, wh

es without

both political and technical aspects. "It go

laced to take

saying that parliamentarians are best-p

vations, thus

care of the political aspects of obser

stly focuses

complementing ODIHR's efforts that mo

CE President

on more technical areas," he said. The PA

a conference

also invited the OSCE PA to participate in

on election observation.

successful

Mr. van der Linden wished Members a

continue co-

Session, and expressed his willingness to

ted the fields

operation in the future. In particular, he no

ldren, and find-

of trafficking, protecting rights of chi

rtant areas to

ing solutions to frozen conflicts as impo

good use of

engage with, and urged Members to make

their political influence to this end.

Gifm

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

Report on the 15th Annual Session, Brussels, 200

actively participating in the work of the Steering Group

on future institutional arrangements in Kosovo, as the

OSCE's involvement will largely depend on the out-

come of future status negotiations. He stated that the

Organization is expected to maintain a strong presence

in Kosovo in the future, within a broader mandate.

On the issue of OSCE reform, the Secretary Gen-

eral reminded Members of the decisions taken at the

Ljubljana Ministerial Council in December 2005. He

noted that as Secretary General, he had been given

the responsibility for Working Groups on three central

reform issues related to the Secretariat, and informed

Members of progress being made on reform discus-

sions. He expressed his confidence that the political

will exists to surmount remaining difficulties and to

reach solutions in time for the Brussels Ministerial

Council in December 2006.

The OSCE Secretary General outlined suggestions

on reform which fall under his responsibility. He dis-

cussed the move towards more performance-based

programming and budgeting. He further outlined his

proposals on improving human resources policies,

based on a more selective use of the secondment system,

and by permitting a further extension of the permis-

sible period of service within the OSCE. In the field

of extra-budgetary projects, the Secretary General has

proposed maintaining decentralized decision-making,

while encouraging greater involvement of participat-

ing States in oversight of these projects.

The Secretary General highlighted OSCE work on

promoting tolerance, and particularly focused on the

Organization's contribution to the United Nations Alli-

ance of Civilizations initiative. He also stressed the

Address by Marc Perrin de Brichambaut,

Secretary General of the OSCE

The OSCE Secretary General thanked the Assem-

bly for the opportunity to speak, and for the active role

it has undertaken during the past year. He noted the

special role of the Assembly in ensuring a democratic

footing for the OSCE, and in avoiding bureaucratic

ensconcement. The Organization, he said, needs all

manner of interest and engagement in order to fulfil its

ambitious role, and he called upon parliamentarians to

continue to propose recommendations, and to maintain

a presence on the ground during elections.

Ambassador de Brichambaut commented on the

work of field presences in South Eastern Europe,

noting the importance of this area, which accounts for

48 percent of the entire OSCE budget. The OSCE is

Eel

"lefs";,:

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

, Brussels, 2006

port on the 15' Annual Session

UNITED

DOM

zing gov-

important role of parliamentarians in sensiti

erance and

ernments to issues related to promoting tol

ambaut drew

non-discrimination. Ambassador de Brich

equality

Members' attention to the situation of gender

der-repre-

in the OSCE, noting that women remain un

ted progress

sented at senior management levels. He no

ion for the

in some areas, and expressed his appreciat

ing greater

work of the Parliamentary Assembly in bring

attention to this issue.

ion, he

Following the Secretary General's presentat

rians regard-

answered questions from the parliamenta

the OSCE

ing increasing the analytical capability of

ll as on the

Secretariat on conflict-prevention, as we

the OSCE

visibility of the Parliamentary Assembly on

s regarding

website. In addition, he addressed question

OSCE Sec-

how best to improve gender balance in the

PA sug-

retariat and on improving feedback on OSCE

gestions on budget-spending in the OSCE

ement levels

gender balance within the senior manag

e low over-

of the OSCE. She also noted that, despit

mentary

all participation by women in the OSCE Parlia

the Assem-

Assembly, women are well-represented in

urged fur-

bly's leadership positions. Mrs. Tingsgård

to improve

ther efforts both in the OSCE and the PA

the situation.

Supplementary Items

sequently

The Assembly considered, and sub

Trafficking

adopted the Resolution on Combating

phy, pro-

and the Exploitation of Children in Pornogra

(USA).

posed by Congressman Christopher Smith

loitation of

The Resolution strongly condemns the exp

nography, and

children, particularly through child por

to ensure that

urges States to take legislative measures

olution also

these crimes are fully punishable. The res

and collect-

proposes specific measures on reporting

to enhance

ing data on exploitation of children in order

measures to combat these practices.

Report by Tone Tingsgård,

OSCE PA Special Representative on

Gender Issues

er Issues

The Special Representative on Gend

at improving

reported on recent Assembly work aimed

remarked

gender equality. Vice-President Tingsgård

zed on the

particularly on a panel discussion organi

Commission

side-lines of the 50th Session of the UN

on the Status of Women, in March.

resolution

Mrs. Tingsgård reminded Members of the

in 2005, and

on gender issues passed by the Assembly

treaming the

noted that this year she had aimed at mains

ndations.

issue throughout the Assembly's recomme

lack of

The Vice-President further highlighted the

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

CANe[PA

Report on the 15" Annual Session, Brussel

s, 2006

Side Meetings

Working Breakfast on Gender Issues

Again this year, the OSCE PA devoted particular attention to

gender

issues. On 3 July, during the first day of the Assembly's Sess

ion, a

working breakfast on gender issues was hosted by the Presiden

t of the

Belgian Senate, Anne-Marie Lizin. In her welcoming remarks

, Mrs.

Lizin stressed the importance of promoting women's participatio

n in

politics and informed participants of a special side event on com

bating

child pornography that she would be hosting during the Sess

ion. She

also shared the Belgian experience, emphasizing legislative initi

atives

to ensure gender equality at all political levels. In addition, Mrs

. Lizin

urged work towards building an international network of NGO

s which

can combat `honour crimes' in OSCE countries.

Vice-Piesident Tone TYngsgård, the OSCE PA Special Represe

ntative

on Gender Issues, chaired the meeting. Mrs. Tingsgaard expresse

d her

regret that despite the high level of activity in the Assembly to prom

ote

gender equality, progress is very slow. She presente

d the conclusions of

the OSCE PA Gender Report 2006: Although approximately half

of the

employed people in the OSCE are women, these women do not

reach the

top positions. Mrs. Tmgsgaard also noted the relatively few num

ber of women parliamentarians who participate in

OSCE PA activities. However, in spite of this, she noted that the

leadership of the Assembly has quite good gender

balance. The Special Representative repeated her call on Governm

ents to nominate more women to high-level positions

in the OSCE and urged Members of the Assembly to help iden

tify and support the candidature of qualified women

for such positions. "The women are there — and they are qualified

. But until the OSCE reaches a situation, or rather a

culture, where women are regarded as equally qualified as men

, they will need some extra help," she said.

Mrs. Tingsgård also reported on a project she had carried

out with other women from the Assembly. In

conjunction with the 50 Session of the UN Commission on the

Status of Women, the OSCE PA women organized

a side meeting entitled Women in Security Politics — do wom

en make a difference? Mrs. Tingsgård concluded

that the event was a success in bringing visibility to the Ass

embly within the UN and not least among NGOs,

and it provided a good opportunity to discuss gender in the

context of the issue of security politics, which has

traditionally been run by men.

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

on, Brussels, 2006

Report on the 15' Annual Sessi

,PA

Side Meetings

then summarized the Annual

er at the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna

Offic

Monica Gutierrez Argues, Gender

el posts and that all Heads

that women hold just 13% of senior lev

Report from the Secretary General, showi

of Missions and Institutions are men.

n the Assembly, and

sed the meeting, urging further work withi

addres

In the ensuing debate, several Delegates

the OSCE PA.

tinue to improve the gender imbalance in

in national parliaments, to con

Mediterranean Side Meeting

George, President Emeri-

took place on 4 July, was chaired by Bruce

The Mediterranean side meeting, which

the OSCE Mediterranean

CE PA on Mediterranean Affairs. Three of

tus and Special Representative of the OS

m the Mediterranean and

and Tunisia, as well as parliamentarians fro

Partners for Co-operation, Algeria, Israel

eting.

other OSCE regions participated in the me

tinue addressing issues

stressed the need for the Assembly to con

Mr. George welcomed the participants and

ty-Chairman of the OSCE

Mr. George introduced Arturo PErez, Depu

of importance to the Mediterranean region

ried out by the Contact

ers, who gave an account of the activities car

Contact Group with the Mediterranean Partn

nar to be held in Egypt in

for the Annual OSCE Mediterranean Semi

Group in 2006, and analyzed the prospects

floor to address issues such as

tation, several parliamentarians took the

November 2006. Following his presen

security challenges of the

the OSCE to other countries and common

extending the Mediterranean Dialogue in

Mediterranean countries.

the prospects for the Fourth

ad of the Delegation of Malta, presented

Subsequently, Jason Azzopardi, He

Malta in November 2006.

Mediterranean, which will be hosted by

OSCE PA Parliamentary Forum on the

discussed in Malta, focused

lowed by an open debate on the issues to be

Mr. Azzopardi's presentation was fol

ung people on the sharing of

rities in the Mediterranean. Educating yo

on migration and integration of mino

ect to be considered in the

ed by the participants as an important asp

civilizational values was also mention

Libya will be invited to attend

i also announced that a delegation from

Mediterranean Forum. Mr. Azzopard

the meetings in Malta.

the Delegation of Slovenia,

by participants. Roberto Battelli, Head of

Future activities were also discussed

Meetings, including the Medi-

ia will host the Assembly's 2007 Autumn

informed that the Parliament of Sloven

l invitation to the Assembly to

ate from Israel, Collette Avital, issued an ora

terranean Forum, next year. A Deleg

ination of the different Mediter-

idel (Germany) noted the need for co-ord

meet in Israel in the future. Hans Ra

s inter-parliamentary assemblies.

ranean activities carried out by the variou

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

0RINe IPA!

Report on the 15' Annual Session, Brussels, 2006

;'ETHER

413

356

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

s, 2006

Report on the 15ili Annual Session, Brussel

EITA

curity

General Committee on Political Affairs and Se

First

Report and Resolution

Introducing his Report and Resolution, the Com-

mittee Rapporteur, Wolfgang Grossruck (Austria)

highlighted the challenges facing the OSCE, particu-

larly in the Balkans. He emphasized the importance

of the OSCE field missions in this region, citing the

efficient organization of the OSCE office in Albania

and the professional referendum monitoring mission

in Montenegro. Mr. Grossruck also emphasized the

need for more co-ordination between the European

Union and OSCE countries to constructively engage

in the negotiations on the future status of Kosovo. He

also highlighted the importance of the fight against cor-

ruption and organized crime. Finally, he stressed the

key role parliamentarians can play in their respective

national parliaments in encouraging their governments

to support the initiatives currently taking place in the

Balkans. After having debated and voted on the 36

amendments, the Committee unanimously adopted the

resolution.

The resolution recommends that the OSCE offer

itself to the participating States as a leading international

actor in the co-operation and co-ordination of efforts in

democratization, institution-building based on rule of

law, combating discrimination against minorities, traf-

ficking in human beings, and other threats to human

security. In addition, it calls upon OSCE participating

States to co-operate with the OSCE field missions and

urges the field missions to increase their efforts in pro-

moting regional co-operation with local authorities.

Under the chairmanship of Gåran Lennmarker

(Sweden), the General Committee on Political Affairs

and Security discussed a wide range of topics included

in the Rapporteur's draft resolution, which mainly

focused on the current situation in the Balkans, as well

as the fight against corruption and organized crime. In

addition, the First General Committee debated supple-

mentary items on Enhancing the Role and Increasing

Efficiency of the OSCE PA (Georgia), Moldova (Fin-

land) and Afghanistan (Canada).

In its Edinburgh Declaration from 2004, the Assem-

bly asked the OSCE High Commissioner on National

Minorities to prepare a report on national policies

regarding minorities. In the first meeting of the Com-

mittee, the OSCE High Commissioner on National

Minorities, Rolf Ekeus, presented his Report on `Policy

on Integration and Diversity in Some OSCE participat-

ing States'. The report is a comparative study of policies

in established democracies in relation to their integra-

tion of minorities. In his presentation, the High Com-

missioner highlighted that the issue of immigration is

taken seriously by OSCE participating States, which are

making efforts to implement immigration policies. The

study focuses on how minorities should be integrated in

society and how policies can help to manage the situa-

tion. Ambassador Ekeus stressed that immigration, glo-

balization and the economy are factors that help increase

diversity and that diverse societies as a rule are better

developed. Because of this link between diversity and

development, Mr. Ekeus highlighted the importance of

establishing integrative policies in OSCE participating

States. He stressed his recognition that integration proc-

esses are complex. He further highlighted the importance

of education to promote inclusiveness and the necessity

to adopt policy measures which sustain diversity and

respect for religion and culture.

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

RIN

Report on the 15th Annual Session, Brussels, 200

Supplementary Items

Three supplementary items were debated and voted

on in the First General Committee.

The supplementary item on Enhancing the Role

and Increasing Efficiency of the OSCE PA, sponsored

by Nino Burjanadze (Georgia), was adopted follow-

ing debate on the proposed amendments. The resolu-

tion emphasizes the need to adapt the Organization

to changing security challenges and to intensify the

co-operation between OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

and the OSCE in order to implement more effectively

OSCE objectives and consolidate democratic institu-

tions in the OSCE participating States.

The supplementary item on Moldova was presented

by Kimmo Kiljunen (Finland) and commented on by

Head of the OSCE Mission in Moldova, Ambassador

William Hill. The resolution urges the Moldovan Gov-

ernment and the administration of the Transdniestrian

region to actively seek in good faith for ways that can

lead to a comprehensive and lasting political settlement

of the Transdniestrian conflict.

The supplementary item on Afghanistan was spon-

sored by Consiglio Di Nino (Canada) who called for

the OSCE participating States to support the restora-

tion of a stable economy in Afghanistan and empha-

sized the need for more regional co-operation between

the OSCE Central Asian participating States. In addi-

tion, the resolution reaffirms the commitments made

on Afghanistan by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly,

and recognizes the progress made in maintaining polit-

ical and military security, fostering economic develop-

ment and promoting human rights in the region.

Election of Officers

The following Members were elected to serve in

the First Committee:

Chair:

Jean-Charles Gardetto (Monaco)

Vice-Chair: Hans Raidel (Germany)

Rapporteur: Kristian Pihl Lorentzen (Denmark)

•

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

2006

Report on the 151h Annual Session, Brussels,

Effil

General Committee on Economic Affairs, Science,

Second

Technology and the Environment

The three sessions of the General Committee on

Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and the Envi-

ronment (Second Committee) were chaired by Con-

gressman Benjamin Cardin (USA). The Rapporteur,

presented his report entitled `Strengthening Human

Security in the OSCE Region', which was followed by

a general debate and consideration of the draft resolu-

tion and its amendments. The Committee also debated

six supplementary items.

Report and Resolution

The Rapporteur of the Second Committee, Roland

Blum (France) underlined that the objective of his

report is to reaffirm the role of the economic dimension

in a global approach to security. The signatories of the

Helsinki Final Act, he said, were aware of the importance

of economic factors in consolidating an area of peace in

Europe. In his report Mr. Blum addresses the importance

of economic integration in the Caucasus and Central

Asia. Economic integration in this area is primarily based

on the countries' diversity and trade in natural resources.

Mr. Blum also addressed issues such as economic and

environmental insecurity in the OSCE area

The resolution proposed by Mr. Blum and adopted by

the Committee puts forward specific proposals aimed

at intensifying the role of the OSCE in economic and

environmental issues. Mr. Blum stressed that democ-

racy helps to foster economic prosperity and stability.

Democracy is vital for achieving healthy economic

development.

Bernard Snoy, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic

and Environmental Activities, briefed the Committee

on major developments of the OSCE Economic and

Environmental Activities, placing particular empha-

sis on the work of the OSCE since the Assembly last

met in Vienna. Mr. Snoy also briefed Members on his

office's efforts on combating corruption and promoting

entrepreneurship among women-owned and minority-

owned small businesses.

Mr. Snoy informed parliamentarians about the

numerous activities of his office leading to the conclu-

sion of the 14th OSCE Economic Forum held in Prague

in May. The Forum concluded discussions on secure

transport networks in the OSCE region, and addressed

the issue of secure transportation networks and the

development of transport links as a way to enhance

economic co-operation and stability.

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

Report on the 15th Annual Session, Brussels, 2006

promote concrete actions related to systemic risk gov-

ernance and effective management of systemic risks.

The Second Committee adopted the Resolution on

Illicit Air Transport of Small Arms and Light Weapons

and their Ammunition, presented by FrancoisXavier

De Donnea (Belgium). It calls upon OSCE participat-

ing States to implement their undertakings in the OSCE

Document on SALW.

The Resolution on Forming a Global System of

Warning and Eliminating Consequences of Natural

Disasters, presented by Serguey Glaziev (Russian

Federation) addresses the need to reduce the negative

consequences of natural disasters. The resolution rec-

ommends that the governments of OSCE participating

States begin elaborating a global system for warning

and eliminating consequences of natural disasters.

The Resolution on Monitoring Social Develop-

ment in the OSCE Region, presented by Doris Barnett

of Germany indicates that differences exist between

the countries and regions of the OSCE as regards the

implementation of the human dimension commitments.

It urges the OSCE participating States to ensure that a

social progress report is presented to the national par-

liaments regularly.

The Resolution on the Global Organization of Parlia-

mentarians Against Corruption, presented by Consiglio

Di Nino (Canada) reiterates that corruption represents

one of the major impediments to prosperity and sus-

tainable development of OSCE participating States. In

adopting this resolution, the Committee urges parlia-

mentarians in the OSCE to strengthen their efforts to

combat corruption and the conditions that foster it.

The Resolution on Limiting Immunity for Parlia-

mentarians in order to Strengthen Good Governance,

Public Integrity and the Rule of Law in the OSCE

Region, presented by Congressman Benjamin Cardin

and adopted by the Committee, urges the parliaments

in the OSCE region to legislate to provide clear, bal-

anced, transparent and enforceable procedures for

waiving parliamentary immunities in cases of criminal

acts or ethical violations.

1141T

7."

Supplementary Items

The Second Committee dealt with six supplemen-

tary items in the form of draft resolutions.

The Resolution on Risk Management, presented

by Anne-Marie Lizin (Belgium) and adopted by the

Committee, addresses the multiple aspects of systemic

risk governance and of its growing importance to inter-

national and global security. It stresses the need to

Election of Officers

The following Members were elected to serve in

the Second Committee:

Chair:

Leonid Ivanchenko (Russia

Vice-Chair: Petros Efthymiou (Greece)

Rapporteur: Roland Blum (France)

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

ssels, 2006

Report on the 1.5" Annual Session, Bru

115

UNIMP

KINGT

"F- 4114,

ink

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

arde

Report on the 15th Annual Session, Brussels, 200

Third General Committee on Democracy, Human Righ

and Humanitarian Questions

highlighting a number of issues of particular impor-

tance. In the field of election observation, Mrs. Lizin

stressed that it was particularly important that the

OSCE PA and the OSCE Office for Democratic Insti-

tutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) co-operate effec-

tively in this common undertaking. The Rapporteur

continued by addressing the issue of so-called `honour

crimes' or `vendetta'. Such practices exist through-

out the OSCE region, she noted, and must be fully

addressed in national legislation. In the field of security

services, Mrs. Lizin underlined that her intention was

to encourage adequate parliamentary oversight of these

bodies in order to avoid potential problems. Senator

Lizin also addressed the issue of protection of national

minorities in her draft Resolution, in order to continue

focus on this key issue within the OSCE and the Par-

liamentary Assembly. In the field of freedom of reli-

gion, the Rapporteur stressed that it is important that

the PA continue to speak out in favour of this right, as

certain restrictions remain in some areas of the OSCE.

Finally, addressing the last chapter of her Report, Mrs.

Lizin discussed the conduct of OSCE staff in the field,

stressing that it was vital that these staff be held to high

moral standards and that they not contribute in any way

to practices such as trafficking.

Following a general debate on the issues addressed

in Mrs. Lizin's Report, as well as on issues such as the

American detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, poten-

tial problems surrounding electronic voting practices

and OSCE PA-ODIHR co-operation, the Committee

amended and approved the Third Committee Resolu-

tion. In addition to the issues addressed by the Rap-

porteur, the Resolution reiterates OSCE commitments

on gender and election standards. Also, the Resolution

urges action by all States to ensure adequate protec-

tion of children from exploitation and abuse, including

through education and appropriate authorities at the

national and international levels.

The Acting Chair of the Third General Commit-

tee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian

Questions, Cecilia Wigstråm (Sweden), presided over

all of the meetings of the Third Committee. During

the four meetings of the Committee, Members con-

sidered a wide range of issues within these fields. In

particular, there was discussion on OSCE election

observation activities, gender issues, crimes of honour,

anti-Semitism, conduct by international OSCE staff,

and combating violence against children.

Report and Resolution

The Rapporteur of the Third Committee, Anne-

Marie Lizin (Belgium), gave Members of the Commit-

tee a brief overview of her Report and draft Resolution,

RUSSIAN

FEDERATION

Supplementary Items

The Third General Committee considered, and

approved, four supplementary items.

The supplementary item on Improving the Imple-

mentation of OSCE Electoral Standards and Com-

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

Report on the 1.5"' Annual Session, Brussels, 200

NIL

Lola

mitments and the Effectiveness of OSCE Election

Observation Activities was presented by Marieluise

Beck (Germany). The resolution calls upon OSCE

States to place particular emphasis on implementing

OSCE election commitments, and to adopt additional

commitments to increase transparency of election

procedures.

The supplementary item on Co-operation with Civil

Society and Non-Governmental Organizations, also

proposed by Mrs. Beck, emphasizes the important role

played by civil society in the Helsinki process. The

resolution calls for open exchanges of views with non-

governmental representatives by both participating

States and by OSCE parliamentarians.

The Committee adopted the resolution on Combat-

ing anti-Semitism and Other Forms of Discrimina-

tion, presented by Gert Weisskirchen (Germany). The

resolution builds upon previous resolutions adopted

by the Assembly, recognizes the work being done by

the OSCE/ODIHR in this field, calls for national plans

to combat discrimination, and urges increased educa-

tional and awareness-raising efforts on the problems of

discrimination.

The supplementary item on Funding for Positions

of Advisors in the Tolerance and Non-Discrimina-

tion Unit of the Office for Democratic Institutions and

Human Rights, proposed by George Voinovich (USA)

and adopted by the Committee, urges that the OSCE

provide the necessary funding to support ODIHR work

in the field of non-discrimination.

Election of Officers

The following Members were elected to serve in

the Third Committee:

Anne-Marie Lizin (Belgium)

Chair:

Vice-Chair: Cecilia Wi,gstreim (Sweden)

Rapporteur: Jesus Ldpez-Medel (Spain)

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

Report on the 15m Annual Session, Brussels, 2006

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

2006

Report on the 15fh Annual Session, Brussels,

1101e

Closing Plenary Session

In the field of elections, several Members stressed the

The Second Plenary Session was opened by Presi-

of co-ordinated observation work within the

dent Alcee Hastings, who informed the Assembly importance

work is of vital importance in promoting

about the results of the elections in the three General OSCE. Such

fair elections in the OSCE area, it was noted.

Committees. Members then undertook a general debate free and

The candidates running for President of the Assem-

on current issues, in which over 30 Members took the

bly were each given the opportunity to share their opin-

floor to express their opinions on issues of concern.

all put forward their views on Assembly work

Members noted the importance of the OSCE in rein- ions, and

re.

forcing multilateral dialogue in Europe, and including in the futu

The Assembly Treasurer, Senator Jerry Grafstein

North America in this dialogue. The OSCE PA, it was

d his report to the PA, noting that the Assem-

stated, is vital to promoting dialogue within this context, presente

s finances were in excellent shape and that almost

and President Hastings was commended for his role as bly'

ributions had been received. He commended

President of the Assembly. Some delegates expressed all cont

k of the International Secretariat's managing

their deep concern over environmental issues, particu- the wor

mbly work, and thanked President Hastings for

larly focused on climate change and ecological catas- of Asse

work on behalf of the OSCE PA. Secretary

trophes. Energy security was also noted as an area in his hard

eral Spencer Oliver delivered his report, noting

which closer co-operation was important. The impor- Gen

rnational Secretariat had supported a busy

tance of continued concentration on fighting corruption that the Inte

year for the Assembly, but that it continued to function

was also stressed by Members.

get. He thanked the President for his

Members addressed the issue of trafficking in human well within bud

work at all levels, stressing that President Hast-

beings. Several Members expressed their deep concern active

represented the OSCE PA at all levels, from

over this crime, and reiterated the need for implemen- ings had

ial conference to on-the-ground election

tation of specific policies in both sending and receiv- the Minister

rvation missions.

ing countries. Minorities' rights were raised by several obse

parliamentarians, and the need for uniform respect of

rights throughout the OSCE was stressed. More co-

operative work on immigration and integration policies

is needed, stressed one Member. A number of parlia-

mentarians noted that the OSCE PA can assist in raising

awareness of related problems, including xenophobia.

Several Members voiced their ongoing concern over

the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, and considered the

OSCE role in this context. One Member underlined

the importance of applying the Geneva Conventions to

detainees at the United States facility in Guantanamo Bay,

and noted recent legal decisions in the United States.

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

'PA

Report on the 15th Annual Session, Brussels, 200

The Assembly considered, and then adopted, the

Resolution on Strengthening Effective Parliamen-

tary Oversight of Security and Intelligence Agen-

cies, presented by Roberto Battelli (Slovenia), which

outlines a general framework for parliamentary

oversight of security services. It recommends estab-

lishing specialised parliamentary bodies for scrutiny

of intelligence services, increased exchanges of best-

practices in the field, and calls for States to ensure

that their territories are not used to assist rendition

flights.

The work of each of the three General Committees

was presented to the Plenary by Gåran Lennmarker,

Benjamin Cardin, and Cecilia Wigstrbm respectively.

Following their presentations, the Brussels Declara-

tion, made up of the Committee Resolutions, was

adopted by the entire Assembly, as were each of the

supplementary items that had been considered in the

three Committees.

OSCE PA President Alcee L. Hastings was presented

with a commemorative plaque as thanks for his tireless

efforts on behalf of the Assembly. Congressman Hast-

ings thanked all Members, as well as the staff of the

Delegations, for their work.

Prior to the closing of the Session, Treasurer Jerry

Grafstein announced the results of the elections of

Assembly Officers.

Newly elected President Gåran Lennmarker briefly

addressed the Assembly, and paid tribute to the other

candidates in the Presidential election, and stressed

that he looked forward to working with all Members.

He thanked President Emeritus Hastings for his efforts,

and the Belgian parliament for their hospitality in host-

ing the Session.

Election of Assembly Officers

Prior to closing the 15th Annual Session, the

Assembly elected the following parliamentarians as

officers:

President:

Vice-President:

VicePresident:

Vice-President:

Gåran Lennmarker

(Sweden)

Benjamin Cardin (USA)

Joåo Soares (Portugal)

Tone Tingsgård (Sweden)

Wolfgang Grossruck

(Austria)

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

2006

Report on the .1.5ih Annual Session, Brussels,

♦

1, •

Pal AN

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

Mffle

Report on the 15' Annual Session, Brussels, 2006

AUS1

. ..

•

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

and Co-operation in Europe, whose 55

amentary dimension of the Organization for Security

The OSCE PA is the parli

ouver to Vladivostok.

participating States span the geographical area from Vanc

-parliamentary dialogue, an important aspect of the

ary task of the 317 member Assembly is to facilitate inter

The prim

OSCE area. Recognized as a regional arrangement

to meet the challenges of democracy throughout the

overall effort

instrument for early warning, conflict preven-

the United Nations Charter, the OSCE is a primary

under Chapter VIII of

established

in its area. The Parliamentary Assembly, originally

crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation

tion,

the OSCE by national parliaments, has grown into a very

1990 Paris Summit to promote greater involvement in

by the

active and esteemed member of the OSCE family.

are:

The basic objectives of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

by participating States;

• To assess the implementation of OSCE objectives

Council and the summits of Heads of State or Government;

ss subjects addressed during meetings of the Ministerial

• To discu

ention and resolution of conflicts;

• To develop and promote mechanisms for the prev

institutions in OSCE participating States;

To support the strengthening and consolidation of democratic

•

tures and of relations between existing OSCE Institutions.

To contribute to the development of OSCE institutional struc

•

mbly employs a variety of means:

To pursue these objectives, the OSCE Parliamentary Asse

•

July;

mendations are adopted each year at the Annual Session in

A Final Declaration and a number of resolutions and recom

international issues;

Committee work addresses important contemporary

including an extensive election observation

Seminars designed to develop and strengthen democracy

Programmes and

programme;

activ

Special parliamentary missions to areas of latent or

e crisis.

rative support for the Assembly in its various activities.

The OSCE PA International Secretariat provides administ

cts,

, and provides support for election observation proje

The Secretariat organizes the meetings of the Assembly

out in co-operation with other OSCE Institutions and

missions and Presidential activities. Its work is carried

special

hosted by the Danish Parliament, is headed by

parliamentary organizations. The Secretariat, which is

international

t staff of 14.

Secretary General Spencer Oliver, and has a permanen

Secretary General

Spencer Oliver

Deputy Secretary

General

!Italy Evseyvev

•

Deputy Secretary

General

Tina Schørt

Special Repre-

sentative

Andreas Nothelle

Presidential Advisor

Gustavo Pallares

Programme

Officer

Anna Chernova

Press Officer

Andreas Baker

Liaison Officer

Andrk Blasco

CorMs

Assistant to the

Secretary General

Dana Bjerregaard

Conference Co-

ordinator

Odile LeLarge

General Services

Officer

Kurt Lerras

Ilk.

IT-Supporter

Financial Assistant

Pia Cathrin

Per-Henrik Darr

Rasmussen

Senior Secretary

Connie Mathiesen

OSCE, Alm.del - 2006-07 - Bilag 6: Report on the 15th Annual Session in Brussels (3 - 7.July 2006)

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

International Secretariat

Rådhusstræde I

1466 Copenhagen K

Denmark

Telephone: +45 33 37 80 40

Telefax: +45 33 37 80 30

E-mail: [email protected]

Internet: www.oscepa.org