13 July 1995

Doc. 7364

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

on European support for economic development

in the Middle East and North Africa

presented by Mr BLOETZER, Switzerland, EPP

and others

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

1.       The ongoing peace process in the Middle East offers a unique possibility for the region to realise its great economic potential through intensified economic co-operation, notably with regard to investment and trade.

2.       The first Middle East-North Africa Economic Summit, held in Casablanca in the autumn of 1994, provided the opportunity for initial contact among high level political and business representatives from the region and beyond. The second Summit to be held in Amman, Jordan, from 29 to 31 October 1995, will permit not only stock to be taken of developments since Casablanca, but above all concrete business relations to be formed and strengthened, and economic strategies to be outlined for the region's development.

3.       In view of its strong and longstanding commitment to North-South and trans-Mediterranean co-operation, the Parliamentary Assembly should co-operate with the countries concerned in order to give a positive follow up to the Amman Conference and promote the involvement of Council of Europe member states in economic co-operation contributing to prosperity in the region.

Signed:

(see overleaf)

Signed:

Bloetzer, Switzerland, EPP

Pavlidis, Greece, EPP

de Puig, Spain, SOC

Baumel, France, EDG

Baarveld-Schlaman, Netherlands, SOC

Laakso, Finland, UEL

Pinto, Portugal, LDR

Masseret, France, SOC

Hardy, United Kingdom, SOC

Banks, United Kingdom, SOC

Mackie of Benshie, United Kingdom, LDR

Schwimmer, Austria, EPP

*       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