frsrdg · GV04OSSE1 · 2008-01-01 00:00:00 — Emphasizes that the OSCEs parliamentary dimension is the organizations most valuable asset in enhancing the credibility of the OSCEs efforts to promote democracy and the and the improvement of parliamentary institutions in the participating States; Urges governments to increase their efforts to solidify the status and role of the PA as an integral part of the organization, while maintaining its autonomy, which characterizes any truly democratic parliamentary body; Calls upon the national PA delegations to assist national parliaments in pointing out the importance of a full and unconditional respect for the status and role of the PA as the parliamentary institution of the to their governments; Calls upon the Chairmanship to place before the the Report of the 2005 Colloquium, along with the recommendations of , for consideration and discussion, including also with representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly; Underlines the special responsibility of the executive structures of the to respect past achievements in this regard and to include further progress in any new political or legal instrument that they are negotiating; Asks governments to draw the only possible conclusion from the PAs status that persons acting on behalf of the enjoy the same rights and receive the same treatment as persons working for the OSCEs decision making bodies and executive structures; Urges the executive structures to implement the Ministerial decision from which defines election monitoring as a joint /ODIHR exercise on the basis of the 1997 Cooperation Agreement. POLITICAL AFFAIRS AND SECURITY Stressing that access to sustainable, competitive and reliable energy is fundamental to the daily lives of all citizens in the area and to the stability and security of our societies, Emphasizing that energy security is one of the key elements of contemporary global security and is not merely an intergovernmental but a truly transnational issue, Recalling the Strategy Document for the Economic and Environmental Dimension adopted at the Meeting of the in 2003, Stressing the potential of the , on account of its wide membership, to contribute significantly to promoting global energy security by fostering a cooperative dialogue between producing, consuming and transit participating States, and recalling, in this respect, the Decision on Dialogue in the adopted at the Meeting of the in 2006, Recognizing that international parliamentary institutions, especially the , play a decisive role in defining energy policies, Recalling the provisions regarding energy security in the Declaration adopted at the Annual Session of the Parliamentary Assembly in 2006, Supporting the Gleneagles Plan of Action on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development adopted at the G8 summit in 2005 and the Plan of Action on adopted at the G8 summit in 2006, Stressing the need further to promote the use of renewable energy sources and welcoming, in this respect, the target set by Union to increase the use of renewable energy, as a proportion of its overall energy consumption, to by 2010 and to by 2020, Noting Commissions on A European Strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy issued in 2006, Bearing in mind the importance of boosting the use of renewable energy sources, Noting Resolution (2007) on the Peril of Using Energy Supply as an Instrument of Political Pressure adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of in 2007, Acknowledging that the increasing energy interdependence between producing, consuming and transit countries needs to be addressed through cooperative dialogue enabling them to benefit fully from this interdependence and further to promote global energy security with due regard for the interests of all stakeholders, Reaffirming that ensuring a just balance between supply, demand in world markets for natural resources and their transportation remains one of the prerequisites for preventing possible tensions between States, Expressing full support for the work of the Co-ordinator for Economic and Environmental Activities, The Parliamentary Assembly: Emphasizes that the has a comprehensive normative and organizational framework for promoting regional and global cooperation in energy security by raising awareness of challenges in this field and complementing relevant efforts of other stakeholders; Strongly encourages participating States to implement their commitments and fulfil tasks regarding energy security and, to this end, to favour all initiatives aimed at enhancing energy security and continuous fostering of energy security dialogue, including in the area; Urges all participating States to sign and ratify the if they have not yet done so; Urges all participating States to commit themselves to successful completion of the ; Welcomes the OSCEs support for Commissions efforts in strengthening cooperation and seeking a geographical diversification of energy supply; Strongly rejects any attempts by participating States to use energy issues as a tool of political pressure; Urges all participating States to observe market economy principles (fair competition, transparency and non-discriminatory transit) in the energy sector; Welcomes an role for the and its institutions in ensuring fair competition, transparency and non-discrimination in the energy field for the sake of the energy security of the participating States; Urges participating States to do more to develop measures aimed at increasing energy saving and efficiency in households, industry, transport and services; Invites participating States to particularly promote dialogue, inter alia by holding events at the political and expert levels, on the following key issues of international energy security: confidence between energy producing, consuming and transit countries; creating new, and improving existing, mechanisms for implementation of commitments and obligations regarding energy security; strengthening the international legal framework on energy issues; improving national energy policies and legislation; strengthening capacities of competent national authorities; facilitating investment in the energy sector; diversifying energy sources; ensuring the safety of energy routes and critical energy infrastructure; introducing energy-saving technologies; developing alternative and renewable energy sources; ensuring environmentally friendly oil, gas and coal extraction, preservation and transportation; making the use of energy resources more efficient; overcoming the consequences of the Chernobyl accident; Urges participating States to further the use of renewable energy in their national energy markets and urges participating States to limit their greenhouse gas emissions in order to combat global ; Recommends that participating States sign and ratify the Kyoto Protocol; Stresses the duty to cooperate, inform and consult among all potentially affected countries when planning and constructing international energy pipelines and installations; Emphasizes the importance, for participating States, of introducing mechanisms for responding to crisis situations and supply difficulties; Welcomes involvement of the field operations in providing the participating States, upon their request, with all necessary assistance on issues of energy security; Urges action by the participating States to develop an effective energy crisis management system and to implement their international commitments; Welcomes the initiatives for the creation of new alternative routes for the transfer of energy in market; Encourages the coordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities to submit an official report once a year to made in implementing the Gleneagles Plan of Action on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Energy adopted at the G8 summit in 2005 and the Plan of Action on adopted at the G8 summit in 2006. Supporting the important work being carried out by the in , Acknowledging the cooperation demonstrated by the Belarusian Government with the in , Welcoming the stated will of the Belarusian Parliament to work actively and cooperatively within the framework of the Parliamentary Assembly, Welcoming the opportunity for the on and the Belarusian delegation to the in cooperation with the office in to organize a seminar entitled Exploring the Opportunities for within Neighbourhood Policy in 2007, which constitutes a first step towards enhanced dialogue between and the international community and the intention of the to prepare a second seminar in line with the 2004 Agreement, Being pleased that the Representative on Freedom of the Media, , was able to hold a two-day seminar for Belarusian journalists in at the beginning of , Being pleased that the Committees lease was renewed and hoping that the Committees other problems can be cleared up soon as well, Being pleased that the Belarusian Government has approved the opening of a European Commission representative office in and hoping that this measure, which is in the interests of both sides, can be implemented soon, Regretting that the Belarusian presidential election on 19 2006 and the local Belarusian elections on 14 January 2007 both failed to meet the commitments for democratic elections, Condemning the repression suffered by the political parties and the members of civil society, particularly the members of the group, and by the media that have remained independent, Condemning the repression suffered in the recent past by the associations of Polish-speaking minorities, Condemning the suppression of academic freedom and the exclusion of the Belarusian students who demonstrated in favour of freedom of expression in their country, Regretting the amended Belarusian Electoral Code taking effect on 10 October 2006, which among other things restricted candidates rights to hold open-air campaigning meetings with voters, Welcoming Commissions Non-paper What Union Could bring to , dated , The Parliamentary Assembly: Suggests that the Belarusian Government and Parliament take advantage of the EUs Neighbourhood Initiative for the development of a mutually beneficial relationship with the EU; Welcomes the declared intention of to start a dialogue and strengthen its cooperation with European partners, and expects concrete steps for that purpose; Calls upon and the EU to start the negotiation process as soon as possible on concluding the agreement on simplification of the procedure of visa issuance that will encourage development of interpersonal contact; Calls upon the Belarusian Government as well as governments of other participating States actively to pursue their international commitments and principles, which are inextricably linked to the notion of a free and democratic European state; Urges the Belarusian Government and Parliament to reform and decide upon the Electoral Code to meet standards; Calls upon the Belarusian Government as well as governments of other participating States to respect the right to freedom of expression and access to independent information in national and international media as a fundamental part of all democratic societies, Calls upon the Belarusian Government to respect the rights of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as a vital part of a healthy democracy by no longer hindering their legal existence or harassing and prosecuting members of NGOs, and allowing them to receive international assistance; Urges the Belarusian Government to respect the rights of religious believers, especially members of minority religious communities that have been subjected to harassment and prosecution; Calls upon the Belarusian authorities to release all political prisoners, to cease altogether the practice of imprisoning citizens on the basis of their political beliefs and to investigate or review the cases of disappeared persons properly and independently; Recalls the need to complete the investigations into the disappearances of , Viktar Hanchar, and Dzmitry Zavadski; Urges the Belarusian Government to invite the to observe all future elections; Instructs and supports its ad hoc on to continue its efforts with its mandate; Confirms that the remains committed to contributing to the progress of democratization, the rule of law, and respect of human rights in ; Welcomes the EUs offer to enter into a fully-fledged partnership with in the framework of Neighbourhood Policy if the Belarusian Government assumes a serious commitment to democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law and initiates a process of democratic reform. ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT Reaffirming the fact that the issue of migration concerns all three dimensions of the and must be addressed globally, in accordance with Decision No. 2/05 adopted by the in , Stressing the need to enhance synergy among host participating States towards promoting a sound, homogenous migration management strategy aimed at regulating migratory flows so as to maximize the economic and social benefits brought by legal migration, to minimize the loss caused to the countries of origin by migratory movements and to curb illegal immigration, Underscoring the importance of increased cooperation among destination countries with the aim of maximizing the benefits gained from legal migration and by combating illegal migration, Emphasizing that a comprehensive migration strategy should be effective not only in promoting the integration of immigrants into host societies, while respecting their cultural and religious diversity, but also in combating illegal immigration in strict observance of international humanitarian law and fundamental human rights, Recalling the ministerial declaration adopted at the in , calling on the Organizations structures to continue to concern themselves with this issue, Welcoming the publication and dissemination of a practical guide on policies relating to labour-related migration for use by host countries and countries of origin, jointly produced by the , the and the , Welcoming the holding of a high-level dialogue on international migration and development at the General of the United Nations in , Welcoming the decision taken at Council in to deepen further Unions comprehensive policy on migration, on the basis of cooperation and partnership with third party States, Affirming the need for concerted action to address the root causes of migration and emphasizing the close link between migration and development, which underlines our common understanding that migration can make an important contribution towards reducing poverty and achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, Underscoring the vulnerability of children and of female migrants, who represent half of the migratory flows in the world, but who are more likely to be paid lower wages, work longer hours, have less job security and face increased sexual harassment, abuse and discrimination, Noting the interconnection between trafficking in human beings and illegal migration and condemning criminal networks that facilitate illegal immigration, Emphasizing the need also to address the role transit countries play concerning migratory flows, Stressing the need for the to enhance its contribution with regard to border control assessment and in the region and North , major origin regions of illegal migration, Approving the plan of action elaborated at the on Migration and Development in , in 2006 and the declaration of specific measures issued at the held in in , Welcoming the initiative of Commission to create information centres in migrants countries of origin, Recognizing that the successful integration of immigrants into their new community is critical to the development of a cohesive and assimilated community and to the well-being of society as a whole, Reiterating the importance of economic development opportunities in the home country, in particular the availability of micro-credit, as a long-term solution to migrant labour problems, Recognizing the social and emotional toll on families, especially children, when parents must migrate to find work, The Parliamentary Assembly: Calls for the elaboration and implementation of a single statistical system on migratory flows in order to make available common, impartial and reliable data on the subject; Encourages participating States to sign and ratify on the Legal Status of Migrant Workers; Urges participating States to sign and ratify the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, adopted by the United Nations on , in order to fight illegal immigration; Encourages the activities undertaken by the Special Representative responsible for fighting trafficking in human beings; Urges participating States to undertake special efforts to dismantle criminal networks and deter those activities that facilitate illegal migration; Recommends that participating States that are host countries reach readmission agreements with the countries of origin, in which case the contracting parties should expressly agree to cooperate in identifying persons who are in line for deportation but whose nationality is not yet known; Invites participating States to sign and ratify the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, adopted by the United Nations on ; Calls for the signature of bilateral or regional agreements between the countries of origin and host countries in order to facilitate harmonized management of migratory flows; Calls for an increase in the number of information centres for migrants along the model of those installed in and ; Encourages the development of partner-based immigration by favouring dialogue and cooperation between the countries of origin, the countries of transit and the host countries; Calls for appropriate cooperation in bilateral and multilateral programmes favouring co-development projects; Calls on participating States to boost their efforts concerning border control functions in the region and North , major origin regions of illegal migration; Calls for the transfer of migrants remittances to their countries of origin to be carried out in a secure and low-cost ; Encourages the setting-up of savings accounts for migrants aimed at fostering productive investment in their countries of origin; Urges cooperation with diasporas and financial support for organizations and associations that contribute to the economic and social development of their country of origin; Calls on the President of the to appoint a Special Representative on Migration to examine ways the and the can further the development of migrant labour systems that are humane and meet the economic needs of both the labourer and the host countries; Encourages countries to establish legal frameworks for the orderly entrance and employment of migrant labourers in order to ensure that workers are treated fairly and not exploited. DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN QUESTIONS Democracy as a binding ethical value Reaffirming that democratic and ethical values must act as a common link in the task of providing more security and cooperation in the area, Recognizing that the basis of identities, political order and social peace is the effective respect of human dignity, human rights, freedom, democracy and the rule of law, Considering that the societies of participating States must always aspire to define themselves in terms of pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, , equality and solidarity, Considering that a fundamental dimension of the political systems of participating States must be equality, without any discrimination based on birth, race, sex, origin, religion, opinions or any other personal or social condition, and reaffirming the need to combat discrimination and promote mutual respect and understanding, The Parliamentary Assembly: Affirms the fact that only through a commitment to these ethical principles and values can effective progress be achieved, and that such progress will become even more effective if there are mechanisms for cooperation and consultations among the States; Bearing in mind that discrimination based on gender continues to exist, emphasizes the need to implement gender equality policies, promoting a greater presence of women in the political arena, and taking measures that not only effectively guarantee each persons freedom to have a sexual identity and enjoy equality of rights, but also ensure that discrimination based on gender does not occur; Considers that efforts to achieve security should always be undertaken without prejudice to fundamental human rights and freedoms; Affirms the fact that, in the endeavour to reinforce security and fight any threat to it, not everything is appropriate, admissible or intelligent and not everything is allowed; Believes that one of the main achievements of civilizations in developed democracies is the fact that the authorities are subject not only to national legislation and international conventions but also to the democratic values that underpin them; While safeguarding democratic values in all cases, not being indifferent as to how to react, and ensuring that the response to any attacks must be concerted as far as possible, rejects the notion that, in order to preserve security, any of the basic rules and rights of a democratic system can be disregarded. Development of political freedoms Considering that the main axis of democracy is the proclamation and enforcement of human rights and fundamental freedoms, along with their progressive generalization, Bearing in mind that any political action must be based on dignity and the value of freedoms and that participating States must constantly reiterate their full commitment to the development of these values, Considering that political freedoms are essential to the development of the societies of participating States, and that State authorities must guarantee their effectiveness and in no case promote or accept limitations to these values, Emphasizing the essential nature of the development of freedom of thought and its expression, and expressing its attachment to the freedom of the press, the freedom to demonstrate, participation in political elections and the principle of , The Parliamentary Assembly: Reaffirms the crucial importance of the freedom of speech, press and information in any society, considering these freedoms to be a sine qua non tool for guaranteeing the effectiveness and credibility of democracy in the participating States; Reaffirms its demand that independent media be freely established, along with guarantees for media professionals to exercise those freedoms without fear of dismissal or loss of life, while facilitating the activity of all professionals, regardless of their nationality; Urges the authorities in all States to make firm commitments to preventing the erosion of those freedoms and the atmosphere of impunity that in some cases has led to journalists being threatened or abducted; Requests states not to restrict fundamental political freedoms such as the right to demonstrate, as a democratic expression of ideas in a pluralistic system; Reaffirms the commitment to strengthening the right to a system that is clearly independent from the government and not subject to the authorities, reaffirming this as a means of avoiding vendettas or parallel judgements or judgements made outside the institutional system; Reaffirms the value of human life and calls for the abolition in the participating States of the death penalty, replacing it with more just and humane means of delivering . Holding of democratic elections: