2 October 1997       Doc. 7934

ADOC7934

      MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

      on models for the social and family reconstruction

      of communities within Croatia

      presented by the Earl of Dundee and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       The Assembly notes that certain Croatian groups of villages and municipalities of the former Yugoslavia may serve as model open communities which demonstrate social and family cohesion.

2.       The Assembly stresses that mutual trust and respect among those of different origin is essential to the cohesion of their communities. Equally it supports incentives to young people to develop these attributes while they are growing up.

3.       The Assembly recognises that the engendering of family and community values begins with children's early learning. Thus, it notes the importance of kindergartens and their classes which include children from different ethnic groups.

4.       The Assembly appreciates that social stability is assisted by employment opportunities. To this end, therefore, it urges practical measures to promote the economic regeneration of open communities in Croatia.

5.       The Assembly notices that a variety of confidence building measures are often best advanced through partnerships between those inside and outside communities.

6.       However, where the focus is upon open communities and their social and family cohesion, the Assembly observes that a few simple practical measures advanced through partnerships or other agencies is the best way to begin to serve the interests of those communities.

7.       If the promotion of social and family cohesion proves effective in one open community, the Assembly notices the advantage thereby to other communities. The proof of efficacy from the former benefits the latter which may have lacked confidence in carrying out actions and in receiving help until they became aware of good results elsewhere.

8.       The Assembly encourages the study of social, family and community stability based upon the concept of open communities in Croatia.

      Signed: ¹

Dundee, United Kingdom, EDG

Atkinson, United Kingdom, EDG

Chapman, United Kingdom, EDG

Colvin, United Kingdom, EDG

Cox, United Kingdom, SOC

Fyfe, United Kingdom, SOC

Kirkhill, United Kingdom, SOC

Newall, United Kingdom, EDG

Ponsonby, United Kingdom, SOC

Smith A., United Kingdom, SOC

Taylor J.D., United Kingdom, EPP

¹ .        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP: Group of the European People's Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR: Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: Not registered in any political group