Russia's request for membership of the Council of Europe
Doc. 7443 Addendum I
2 January 1996
ADDENDUM I to the REPORT
Advisory and Control Programme
Rapporteur: Mr MUEHLEMANN, Switzerland, Liberal, Democratic and Reformers' Group
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Addendum II Appendix to the high-level Russian message of 18 January 1995 Addendum III Overview of the state of relations between the Council of Europe and the Russian Federation, including the Joint Programme between the Commission of the European Communities and the Council of Europe for strengthening of the federal structure, introduction of human rights protection mechanisms and legal system reform
Addendum IV Effects of Russia's accession on the organisation (Secretariat memorandum)
Advisory and Control Programme
I. Under Order No. 508 (1995) on the honouring of obligations and commitments by member states of the Council of Europe, adopted by the Assembly on 26 April 1995, the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights (for report) and the Political Affairs Committee (for opinion) may report directly to the Assembly. The Committee on Relations with European Non-Member Countries is to be asked for an opinion with regard to member states which previously enjoyed special guest status (see appendix).
II. This procedure has so far been applied to Estonia, Lithuania and the Czech Republic. The Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights has also decided to start the procedure as regards Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Latvia, Albania and Moldova. Guidelines on the interpretation of the order, and on its application, are currently being considered.
III. In view of the various problem areas identified in the report on Russia's request for membership, it is proposed that a specific advisory and control programme be set up by the three Assembly committees concerned. Close co-operation with the Russian parliamentary delegation will be essential. Regular reports should be presented to the Assembly, and recommendations addressed to the Committee of Ministers with regard to the targeting of its co-operation and assistance programmes.
IV. The Assembly should insist that adequate resources be allocated for this purpose. Assisting legal reform and democratisation in Russia is an investment in peace and stability in Europe.