06/09/2011 Political Affairs and Democracy
Strasbourg, 06.09.2011 - On the basis of a report by Tiny Kox (Netherlands, UEL), the PACE Political Affairs Committee today gave the go-ahead for granting Partner for Democracy status to the Palestinian National Council. The Assembly is to take a decision on this matter at its October plenary session in Strasbourg.
“Acquiring this status is considered to be an important incentive to further develop democracy, the rule of law and protection of human rights in the Palestinian Territories,” said Mr Kox. At a time when the people in a number of Arab and Mediterranean countries have clearly expressed the wish to enjoy fundamental political and social rights, the committee deems it important that Palestinians, with their emerging political institutions, continue firmly on the path of democratic transformation.
In a draft resolution adopted today by the committee, the Palestinian National Council is called upon to consolidate and develop democratic institutions, the independence of the judiciary and the fight against all forms of corruption. It is also asked to hold presidential elections and organise free and fair parliamentary elections throughout the Palestinian Territories in 2012 at the latest.
Other measures deemed essential include refraining from all forms of violence, recognising Israel's right to exist, rejecting terrorism, abolishing the death penalty, guaranteeing freedom and pluralism of the media, and releasing the soldier Gilad Shalit.
The Political Affairs Committee added that in constituting its future Partner for Democracy delegation, the Palestinian National Council should appoint, from among its democratically elected members, three representatives and three substitutes.
This new status was established in 2009 for institutional co-operation with parliaments of non-member states in neighbouring regions wishing to benefit from the Assembly's experience in democracy-building and to participate in the political debate on common challenges which transcend European boundaries.