Doc. 7708
2 December 1996

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS
Resolution (96) 37 on observer status for Japan with the Council of Europe

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 20 November 1996 at the 578th Meeting of the Deputies)

      The Committee of Ministers,

      In view of the interest officially expressed by Japan in obtaining observer status with the Council of Europe in the context of Statutory Resolution (93) 26;

      Considering that Japan shares the ideals and values of the Council of Europe;

      Considering the state of, and the prospects for, dialogue and co-operation between the Council of Europe and Japan in numerous fields, and particularly in that of democratic security with a view to reinforcing democratic institutions, establishing the rule of law and reinforcing human rights;

      Having regard to Opinion No. 194 of the Parliamentary Assembly of 20 March 1996,

      Decides to invite Japan to become an observer with the Council of Europe. This status will give Japan the possibility of:

i.       naming a permanent observer to the Council of Europe;

ii.       sending observers to those Committees of Experts of the Council of Europe instituted in application of Article 17 of the Statute to which all member States may designate participants;

iii.       sending, following an invitation from the host country, observers to conferences of specialised ministers;

iv.       participating in the activities of the Partial and Enlarged Agreements following invitation and in conformity with the rules applicable to such agreements.

      The modalities of access to subsidiary groups of the Deputies will be examined by the Committee of Ministers as soon as possible with a view to strengthening dialogue and co-operation between the Council of Europe and Japan.