Brussels, 10/07/2006 (Agence Europe) - With the adoption of a “Brussels Declaration” and various resolutions during its plenary session from 3 to 7 July in Brussels, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly took position on various subjects with a view to the next meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council to be held in Brussels on 4 and 5 December (see also EUROPE 9228). Some of the points covered were:
Kosovo: The Assembly calls for an intense effort to be made to ensure that any resolution of the question of the status of Kosovo guarantees Kosovo's multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nature, full protection of minority rights for those living there and good neighbourly relations within the region. It calls on the OSCE to fully maintain its current mission in Kosovo and to pursue all action aimed at promoting democracy, human rights and rule of law.
Moldova: The Assembly welcomes the resumption of settlement talks according to the 5+2 formula, in parallel to the renewed efforts of Russian, Ukrainian and, OSCE mediators and the participation of the EU (it also welcomes the work done by the EUBAM mission) and the United States in its observer capacity. It reminds the Moldovan authorities of the need to respect European democratic standards, human rights and rule of law, especially regarding independence of the judiciary. It urges Russia to immediately conclude the troop and munitions withdrawal process in line with the commitments taken at the OSCE summit in Istanbul in 1999.
Afghanistan: The Assembly undertakes to promote Afghanistan's participation in OSCE activities. It welcomes the extension of the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) in the southern provinces and the strengthening of the Afghan government's authority in the region.
Honour crimes: The Assembly notes that archaic family traditions such as forced marriage, so-called “honour” crimes and “vendetta” exist or continue to exist in certain OSCE States. Such practices are often to be found in immigrant communities and are of a kind that makes it more difficult for immigrants to be integrated in host societies, the Assembly continues, inviting the countries concerned to take measures at the legislative and educational levels in order to eradicate what it calls unworthy practices contrary to human rights.
Children: The Assembly reaffirms the absolute need to energetically, resolutely and effectively combat all forms of violence against and exploitation and abuse of children.
Other resolutions mainly concern the illegal air transport of small arms and light weapons, the establishment of a global early warning system for natural disasters, the fight against anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance, and the strengthening of effective parliamentary control of security and intelligence services.