13 July 1995

Doc. 7363

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

on support for the peace process in the Middle East

presented by Mrs BAARVELD-SCHLAMAN, Netherlands, S0C

and others

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

1.       The Assembly has closely followed the peace process in the Middle East and has devoted several debates to this question leading, inter alia, to the adoption of Resolution 1013 (1993) and Recommendation 1221 (1993), formulating proposals for a more active involvement of the Council of Europe and its member states in encouraging and supporting all parties concerned in the peace process.

2.       The peace process has now reached a stage at which European support and involvement is of crucial importance in ensuring its success.

3.       The Council of Europe should make its expertise and experience available to the Palestinians, in particular in the fields of democratic institution-building and human rights, with a view to enabling them to establish democratic institutions and conditions for economic and social development.

4.       Accordingly, the Assembly proposes that the Council of Europe take action in support of democracy and peaceful development in the Middle East on the basis of reports from its competent committees, in particular with regard to:

      - human rights and democratic institution-building,

      - the setting up of judicial and penitential systems,

      - local and regional authorities,

      - youth and education,

and resolves to closely follow and monitor the implementation of the Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement and the Council of Europe's contribution to it.

5.       In accordance with Resolution 1013 (1993), and in co-operation with the European Union, the Assembly decides to follow the organisation of the elections in the West Bank and Gaza and to send a delegation of observers.

Signed:

Baarveld-Schlaman, Netherlands, SOC

de Puig, Spain, SOC

Schwimmer, Austria, EPP

Laakso, Finland, UEL

Fischer, Germany, EPP

Bloetzer, Switzerland, EPP

Pavlidis, Greece, EPP

Berg, Norway, EDG

Seeuws, Belgium, SOC

Johnston, United Kingdom, LDR

*       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