Doc. 8475
13 July 1999

Role of the Council of Europe in relation to defence and security issues

Motion for an order

presented by Ms Squarcialupi and others

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

The Assembly,

-       Taking its Resolution 1177 (1999) on building Greater Europe without dividing lines (opinion on the report by the Committee of Wise Persons) as the main reference for its role on the European continent;

-       Following with interest the current comprehensive debate in Europe about European defence and also bearing in mind the implications of the forthcoming implementation of the Amsterdam Treaty, as well as the functions that the Western European Union is expected to perform as the future defence component of the European Union;

-       Noting that the different crises and conflicts in Europe have been addressed and, in some cases, settled or defused by undertaking or threatening to undertake military action, under the auspices of NATO or the UN or, as in the case of operation "Alba", upon a general mandate by the international community and under the command of one state;

-       Recognising that these military actions have often made it possible to re-establish the principles advocated by the Council of Europe, namely the promotion of democracy, respect for human rights and protection of minorities;

Though fully aware that, according to the Statute of the Council of Europe, defence and security matters do not fall within its competence, urges nevertheless the Political Affairs Committee and the Committee on Parliamentary and Public Relations to consider and draft a report on the role of the Council of Europe in relation to defence and security issues in the new European achitecture with specific reference to democratic security and protection and promotion of democracy and human rights.

Signed : 1

Squarcialupi, Italy, SOC

Behrendt, Germany, SOC

Besostri, Italy, SOC

Davis, United Kingdom, SOC

Gross, Switzerland, SOC

Kirilov, Bulgaria, SOC

Lauricella, Italy, SOC

Pozza Tasca, Italy, LDR

De Puig, Spain, SOC

Ruffy, Switzerland, SOC

1        SOC: Socialist Group