OSCE Parliamentarians to consider current international issues in Rotterdam

COPENHAGEN, 18 June 2003 - In addition to debating draft resolutions on 'The Role of the OSCE in the New Architecture of Europe', which forms the main theme of the Twelfth Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (De Doelen, Rotterdam, 5-9 July 2003), some 250 parliamentarians from 45 participating States will also consider draft resolutions on a number of supplementary items, including Combating Anti-Semitism in the 21st Century; Combating Trafficking and Exploitation of Children; Prisoners detained by the US at the Guantanamo Base; and the international status of Jerusalem. Also, consideration will be given to draft resolutions on the International Criminal Court; Belarus; Moldova; OSCE Peacekeeping Operations as well as on several other specific OSCE issues.

The opening Plenary Session on Saturday 5 July will be addressed by the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Dutch Foreign Minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, who, in accordance with established tradition, will also answer questions from the gathered parliamentarians. Delegates will also hear welcoming remarks by the President of the House of Representatives, Frans Weisglas, and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Jan Peter Balkenende.

Several senior OSCE Officials, including OSCE Secretary General Jan Kubis, the High Commissioner on National Minorities, Rolf Ekéus, the Director of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Christian Strohal, and the Representative on Freedom of the Media, Freimut Duve, will also brief the parliamentarians. The opening Plenary will be chaired by the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Bruce George, Chair of the Defence Committee of the British House of Commons.

The Assembly will also hear reports from PA President Bruce George, PA Secretary General R. Spencer Oliver, and PA Treasurer Jerry Grafstein.

On Tuesday 9 July, the closing Plenary Session will consider the resolutions and adopt a Final Declaration. The Assembly will also elect its President and other Officers.

For information on media accreditation procedures, please contact Rob Fransen, Press Office of the Dutch House of Representatives, tel: + 31 (0) 70 318 23 56, fax: + 31 (0) 70 318 23 56, e-mail: r.fransen@tk.parlement.nl