Doc. 8796
6 July 2000

Cultural situation in the Transcaucasian region

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mrs Ninoshvili and others

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

1. Referring to the several occasions on which the Assembly clearly pointed out the cultural links of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia with Europe and to the active participation of these states in European cultural co-operation as parties to the European Cultural Convention.

2. Taking into account the common history of these states and therefore their mutual cultural influence and common cultural heritage;

3. Acknowledging that today cultural cooperation can be considered as a bridge between these countries, bringing stabilisation and helping them on their way to a democratic society and the rule of law;

4. Recalling the problems that these states are facing during the period of transition from a highly centralised system of education and cultural management;

5. Wishing to assist the process of bringing national legislation in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia in the fields of culture and education into line with Council of Europe standards,

6. The Assembly recommends that the Committee of Ministers

i. give priority to Council of Europe activities relating to the development of cultural co-operation in the Transcaucasian region;

ii. proceed to a thorough assessment of the needs in the region for assistance in culture, education, media, cultural heritage, youth and sport issues;

iii.       support the process of regional parliamentary and governmental cooperation in the field of culture and education.

Signed : ¹

Ninoshvili, Georgia, SOC

Agudo, Spain, SOC

Baramidze, Georgia, LDR

Chikhradze, Georgia, EPP/CD

Gülek, Turkey, SOC

Gürkan, Turkey, SOC

Lachat, Switzerland, EPP/CD

Patarkalishvili, Georgia, LDR

de Puig, Spain, SOC

Saakashvili, Georgia, EDG

Saglam, Turkey, EPP/CD

Squarcialupi, Italy, SOC

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: 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 a group