Debate on the Third Summit of the Council of Europe
Viktor Yushchenko and Mikheil Saakashvili to address PACE winter session

Addresses by Ukrainian President-elect Viktor Yushchenko and Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili are among highlights of the winter session of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE), which takes place in Strasbourg from 24 to 28 January 2005.

Another highlight is a debate during which the Assembly will put forward its proposals for the coming Third Summit of the Council of Europe. At the summit, which takes place in Warsaw on 16-17 May, the heads of state and government of the Organisation’s 46 member states are due to take stock of its role as the guarantor of human rights across the continent and map out a plan of action for the years ahead. French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier will take part in the debate.  (more) 

A PACE delegation, led by Lord Kilclooney (United Kingdom, EPP/CD), observed the 9 January election of the President of the Palestinian Authority. The delegation was satisfied with the efficient organisation of the election. According to the parliamentarians, the overall high voter turnout clearly signalled the belief of the Palestinian electorate in the democratic process. 'With the election of the President, a new window of opportunity is opened for a renewed dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis', they said. (more)
 

'An engaged civil society'
Election brings Ukraine substantially closer to meeting international standards

The repeat second round of the presidential election on 26 December brought Ukraine substantially closer to meeting international standards. 'Throughout the election an engaged civil society demonstrated an active interest in the democratic process', concluded the International Election Observation Mission.  (more).


A report on the subject is under preparation 
Rapporteur calls for further releases from Guantánamo Bay

PACE's rapporteur on detentions at Guantanamo Bay, Kevin McNamara (United Kingdom, SOC), welcomed the impending release of the four remaining British detainees, but again called on the United States to return or release all other Council of Europe nationals and residents – of which there could be more than thirty from ten countries. Their detention was 'equally unlawful', he said. Mr McNamara is currently preparing a report on the legality of detentions at the US base.  (more)

Peter Schieder's official visit to Mexico
Europe should be more present on the international scene

'Beyond the strong historical and cultural ties between Mexico and Europe, the Council of Europe can build today on the strong commitment of its Latin American partner which shares its common fundamental values and its raison d’être, to defend human rights, parliamentary democracy and the rule of law', President Peter Schieder said at the plenary session of the Standing Committee of the Mexican Union Congress as part of his official visit to Mexico from 12 to 14 January.  (more)

CALENDAR 20-21 January – London (United Kingdom) Contribution of the EBRD to economic development in eastern and central Europe The Economic Affairs Committee holds an exchange of views with EBRD President Jean Lemierre, as part of its annual report on the Bank’s activities. It is also due to approve reports on Europe’s growing energy vulnerability and possibly also on Development challenges in Europe’s islands. 22 January – Strasbourg (France) The Third Summit The Political Affairs Committee is due to finalise its report on The Third Summit, prepared by Konstantin Kosachev (Russia, EDG), taking into account contributions from six other PACE committees.  22 January – Strasbourg (France) Organisation of the Round Table on the political situation in the Chechen Republic The Ad Hoc Sub-Committee will meet to decide on the themes, participants, venue and date.