8 October 1992

Doc. 6707

1403-7/10/92-13-E

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

concerning the region of Kaliningrad (Russian Federation)

presented by Mr ATKINSON and others

1.       The independence of the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), the independence of Belarus and the democratic reforms in Poland have led to a complete change of the political and economic situation in the region of the Baltic Sea. They have also led to the fact that the region of Kaliningrad (the former northern part of East Prussia), as a part of the Russian Federation, has no geographical link to it.

2.       This part of Russia is faced with a very difficult economic situation and it is necessary to include it in all considerations concerning the improvement of the situation in the region of the Baltic Sea like all the other areas and countries of this region.

3.       The Russian Government has declared the region of Kaliningrad a free trade area. Details concerning the implementation of this plan are not yet known. As a free trade area the region of Kaliningrad could make an important contribution to the economic development of the whole region of the Baltic Sea, if the efforts of Russia are supported and promoted in a spirit of solidarity by all neighbouring states, by the European Community and by the member states of the Council of Europe.

4.       The Council of Europe should use its function as a bridge between the countries of the European Community and newly emerging democracies in Eastern Europe to elaborate in co-ordination with the Russian Government proposals on the shaping of the free trade area of Kaliningrad and on the future economic development of this region and should submit them to the governments of the member countries requesting their active support and promotion.

Signed:       Atkinson, Böhm, Caro, Dimmer, Columberg, König, Buchler, Matsis, Pahtas, F. Probst, Reddemann, L. Fischer, Kiratlioglu, Müller.