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29 June 1993
Doc. 6886
OPINION
on the application by the Slovak Republic
for membership of the Council of Europe 1
(Rapporteur: Mrs SEVERINSEN,
Denmark, Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group)
1. The Committee on Relations with European Non-Member Countries has been asked for an opinion concerning the application by the Slovak Republic for membership of the Council of Europe.
2. The rapporteur took part in the fact-finding mission to Slovakia from 10 to 12 March 1993, as well as in the succeeding discussions, especially during the last session in Strasbourg in May.
3. The rapporteurs considered that it was very important to investigate whether the conditions for membership were fulfilled, especially with respect to the human rights for the Hungarian minority in Slovakia, now proportionally bigger than in former Czechoslovakia. During our fact-finding mission, our attention was drawn to the many problems facing this group of the population. The rapporteur was, however, not really able to prove or disprove the many accusations.
4. Today, the rapporteurs can ascertain with satisfaction that progress has been made in improving the conditions for this minority; for instance, new legislation would solve the problems of the use of Hungarian first-names, local street and town names, etc. The Assembly will of course have to ensure that the commitments made by the Slovak authorities are respected and that the necessary steps, in particular in the legal field, are taken as soon as possible.
5. Taking into account the conclusions of the legal experts on the satisfactory legal situation in Slovakia, the rapporteur recommends - in accordance with the report by Mrs Halonen - that the Slovak Republic become a full member of the Council of Europe as soon as possible.
Reporting committee: Political Affairs Committee (Doc. 6864).
Committee for opinion: Committee on Relations with European Non-Member Countries.
Reference to committee: Doc. 6738 and Reference No. 1841 of 1 February 1993.
Opinion approved by the committee on 29 June 1993.
Secretary to the committee: Mr Dufour.