21/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - The EP legal affairs committee has given its support to a draft directive on civil and commercial mediation, which will allow for rapid extra-judicial resolution of disputes at a reasonable cost. MEPs adopted the report of Arlene McCarthy (PES, United Kingdom) and explained that the agreement between the parties in mediation proceedings should be applicable in all member states. They are also requesting member states to organise the training of national mediators and encourage the drawing up of voluntary codes of conduct to guarantee a fair trial. An amendment on confidentiality was also voted on to ensure that any agreement between mediators and the different parties in proceedings is not disclosed. The report (co-decision, first reading) will be voted on in the April plenary session. (bc)