Friday, 26 june 2009, Strasbourg
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is seeking „Partner for democracy“
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is to create a new “Partner for democracy” status for the parliaments of countries neighbouring the Council of Europe area – provided they agree to work towards the Organisation’s values such as free elections and abolition of the death penalty.
The new status would allow parliamentary delegations from the southern Mediterranean, Middle East and central Asia to take part in the work of the Assembly and speak in debates, but without the right to vote.
In return, parliaments seeking “Partner for democracy” status would declare their aspiration to embrace Council of Europe values, promise to hold free and fair elections, pledge to work towards abolishing the death penalty and commit to encouraging balanced participation of women and men in political life.
PACE already has working contacts with the parliaments of neighbouring countries such as Algeria, Kazakhstan, Morocco and Tunisia, as well as with the Palestinian Legislative Council, several of whom have expressed interest in upgrading co-operation and establishing a permanent relationship.
The Assembly currently brings together 318 parliamentarians from 47 European countries.