  {"id":193913,"date":"2005-06-03T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-03-12T16:42:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?p=193913"},"modified":"2019-03-12T16:42:31","modified_gmt":"2019-03-12T16:42:31","slug":"auto-insert-193913","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/auto-insert-193913\/","title":{"rendered":"PACE- Middle East situation &#8211; PACE report\/Non-UN document"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">\n<hr height=\"7px\" \/>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div style=\"color:#000000;text-align:left;font-size:13pt;font-family:Tahoma, san-serif;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">Parliamentary <strong>Assembly<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"color:#000000;text-align:left;font-size:13pt;font-family:Tahoma, san-serif;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><strong>Assembl&#233;e<\/strong>&nbsp;parlementaire<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><strong>Situation in the Middle East<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><strong>Doc. 10570<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">3 June 2005<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><strong>Report<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">Political Affairs Committee<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">Rapporteur: Mr Mikhail Margelov, Russian Federation, European Democrat Group<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><i>Summary<\/i><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">The election of Mr Mahmoud Abbas to the presidency of the Palestinian Authority in January 2005 opened a window of opportunity for the renewal of the peace process in the Middle East. The Parliamentary Assembly, by its Resolution 1420 (2005) adopted on 26 January 2005, called for the immediate resumption of the political dialogue between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">Despite the absence of a spectacular breakthrough, some progress has been achieved on both sides. Moreover, recent developments in neighbouring countries constitute a positive framework for the peace process.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">The text calls on both sides to intensify their co-operation and to continue the dialogue towards a meaningful and peaceful solution. Moreover, the report calls the Assembly to increase its efforts by intensifying its contacts with the other countries of the region to promote its fundamental values. The granting of observer status to the Palestinian Legislative Council could be considered after the elections. <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;text-align:left;padding-bottom:4px;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\"><strong>I.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Draft resolution <\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\"><i><strong>[<\/strong><\/i><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unispal.un.org\/pdfs\/9B600FF38BE9443F8525714E006D88B3.pdf\" style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#0000ff;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\"><i>link to the adopted text<\/i><\/a><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\"><i><strong>]<\/strong><\/i><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;text-align:left;padding-bottom:4px;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Parliamentary Assembly refers to its <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unispal.un.org\/pdfs\/C33BFA5A7CD31DF585257133005570AA.pdf\" style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#0000ff;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">Resolution 1420 (2005)<\/a><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">on the prospects for peace in the Middle East.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It observes that several months after the election of Mr Mahmoud Abbas to the presidency of the Palestinian Authority, the chance for a peaceful solution in the Middle East remains open. Despite the absence of a spectacular breakthrough, some progress towards durable peace has been achieved and is underway.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Assembly expresses satisfaction that even if some regrettable incidents of violence on both sides have happened, the cease-fire remains in force and the co-operation between the Israeli and Palestinian security forces is continued.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the same time, the Assembly deplores certain negative developments like insufficient progress in dismantling terrorist groups by the Palestinian security forces, the continuation of the construction of the wall and the extension of illegal settlements in Jerusalem and the West Bank by Israel.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The implementation of the disengagement plan by Israel should be welcomed.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, the Assembly recalls that it should be followed by the withdrawal from the West Bank in accordance with the Roadmap which is a valid reference for the peace negotiations.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Assembly is satisfied that the democratisation process within the Palestinian Authority has been continued. The forthcoming elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council will be crucial for further progress towards a meaningful and peaceful solution. <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Recent developments in neighbouring countries, including the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon and the release of Jordanian prisoners by Israel, constitute a positive framework for the peaceful process.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Assembly is convinced that the Council of Europe should increase its role in the promotion of democratic values and intercultural and inter-religious dialogue in the region. <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;text-align:left;padding-bottom:4px;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Assembly recalls its previous work on the situation of the Palestine refugees and in particular its <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unispal.un.org\/pdfs\/0E3FD33E134E504E85256CBC0068EBD9.pdf\" style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#0000ff;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">Resolution 1156 (1998)<\/a><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unispal.un.org\/pdfs\/96D911DB558AD892852571330057B32A.pdf\" style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#0000ff;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">Recommendation 1612 (2003)<\/a><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">proposing the establishment of a Palestine refugee and displaced persons final status fund under the aegis of the Âé¶¹APP to finance the cost of resettlement and compensation.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Assembly welcomes the decision of the Political Affairs Committee, following Resolution 1420 (2005), to establish a Tripartite Parliamentary Forum allowing parliamentarians from the Knesset, the Palestinian Legislative Council and the Parliamentary Assembly to sit together on an equal footing with a right to speak and make proposals for the agenda and actions of the Sub-Committee on the Middle East. <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Assembly calls on the Government of Israel to:<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">i.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;revise its position concerning the construction of the wall taking into account the decision of the International Court of Justice and in particular not to create &#8220;faits accomplis&#8221;;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">ii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;refrain from land and property confiscation as well as home demolitions in order to follow further construction;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">iii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;undertake measures facilitating the movement and access of the local population to their land and resources if they are separated by the wall;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">iv.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;immediately stop construction and extension of illegal settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">v.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;foresee measures enabling free and unrestrictedmovement of candidates for the parliamentary elections during the electoral campaign as well as of voters on the election day;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">vi.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;fully co-operate with the Palestinian authorities and the Central Electoral Campaign with a view to allowing fully fair and free elections;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">vii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;consider a disengagement plan for the Gaza Strip as a first step which will be followed by withdrawal from other areas in accordance with a Roadmap.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Assembly calls on the Palestinian Authority to:<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">i.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;considerably increase the efforts aimed at the dismantlement and disarmament of terrorist groups;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">ii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ensure that people who are on the Israeli &#8220;wanted list&#8221; are not incorporated into the Palestinian security forces;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">iii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;investigate more efficiently and hold accountable perpetrators of any incidents of violence against the Israelis;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">iv.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;co-operate closely with the international community in order to ensure that the forthcoming parliamentary elections are fair and free.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Assembly calls on both sides to: <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">i.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;step up co-operation between their security forces ;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">ii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;use the Council of Europe expertise in order to revise school books with a view of eliminating hatred language from them.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Assembly resolves to:<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">i.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;step up its co-operation with all parliaments of the region with a view to promoting democratic values;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">ii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;consider granting observer status to the Palestinian Legislative Council following the forthcoming parliamentary elections subject to the evaluation that they are fair and free;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">iii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;promote its proposal for the establishment of a Palestine Refugee and Displaced Persons Final Status Fund under the aegis of the UN to finance the cost of resettlement and compensation at every appropriate opportunity including the forthcoming international donors Conference in London.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;text-align:left;padding-bottom:4px;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\"><strong>II.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Draft recommendation <\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\"><i><strong>[<\/strong><\/i><\/span><span style=\"color:#424282;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\"><i><strong>Link to the adopted text<\/strong><\/i><\/span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\"><i><strong>]<\/strong><\/i><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;text-align:left;padding-bottom:4px;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Parliamentary Assembly refers to its Resolution&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;(2005) and recalls its <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unispal.un.org\/pdfs\/0E3FD33E134E504E85256CBC0068EBD9.pdf\" style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#0000ff;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">Resolution 1156 (1998)<\/a><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">&nbsp;and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unispal.un.org\/pdfs\/96D911DB558AD892852571330057B32A.pdf\" style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#0000ff;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">Recommendation 1612 (2003)<\/a><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">proposing the establishment of a Palestine refugee and displaced persons final status fund under the aegis of the Âé¶¹APP to finance the cost of resettlement and compensation.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Assembly asks the Committee of Ministers to promote this proposal at every appropriate opportunity including the forthcoming international donors Conference in London.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><strong>III.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Explanatory memorandum<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><strong>I.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><u>INTRODUCTION<\/u><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The last report on the situation in the Middle East was presented by the Political Affairs Committee shortly after the election of Mr Mahmud Abbas to the presidency of the Palestinian Authority which took place on 9 January 2005. This event, welcomed by the international community, opened a window of opportunity for the renewal of the peace process frozen for over a year. The Resolution adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly on 26 January 2005, called for the immediate resumption of the political dialogue between the two parties of the conflict.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The developments which have taken place since the election leave room for cautious optimism. The chance for a durable peace is still there. Even if there was no spectacular breakthrough, the political solution may still be achieved and some progress is being accomplished. The next months and the forthcoming events may have crucial importance for the future of the region.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Rapporteur has decided to carry out a fact-finding visit before the parliamentary elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council scheduled for 17 July 2005, with a view to recommending possible assistance and involvement of the Council of Europe in the preparatory process. The visit took place on 17 to 22 April 2005 (see Appendix 1 for the Programme).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During the visit, the Rapporteur also looked into modalities of the implementation of Resolution 1420 which instructed the Sub-Committee on the Middle East to serve as a tripartite forum allowing parliamentarians from the Knesset, the Palestinian Legislative Council and the Parliamentary Assembly to sit together on an equal footing with a right to speak and make proposals for the sub-committees agenda and action.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another aim of the visit was to put the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into the broader context of the situation in the Middle East. For that reason, the Rapporteur has decided to visit not only Israel and the Palestinian Autonomy but also Jordan as the neighbouring country whose policies may have an obvious impact on developments in the region. As the visit to Jordan turned out to be useful, the Rapporteur intends to continue with other neighbouring countries like Syria, Lebanon and Egypt after the elections. An important aspect of the co-operation with these countries is the promotion of the Council of Europe&#8217;s values, which the Rapporteur will develop in the present report.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Rapporteur would like to express his gratitude for the assistance provided by the Knesset and the Palestinian Legislative Council as well as by the Parliament of Jordan and the Russian Embassy in Amman with the preparation of the visit. <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><strong>II.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><u>MAIN DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT SINCE THE ELECTION OF MR MAHMUD ABBAS TO THE PRESIDENCY OF THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY<\/u><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Immediately after the election to the presidency of the Palestinian Authority on<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">9 January 2005, Mahmud Abbas called for the implementation of the Roadmap while beginning discussion on final status issues. The Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, expressed his readiness to open the dialogue.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The crucial question, effective ceasefire, was considered by the Israeli side as a necessary precondition for any further progress in the peaceful process. On 8 February at the summit in Sharm al Shaykh with the participation of Prime Minister Sharon, President Abbas, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, and Jordanian King Abdullah II, both sides to the conflict declared an end to violence and military operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Both sides have made concrete goodwill gestures. President Abbas deployed security forces to Gaza to stop attacks against Israeli towns and settlements and reached a one-month cease-fire accord with militant groups. Palestinian security forces destroyed a tunnel used to smuggle weapons between Gaza and Egypt and toned down incitement against Israel. After 10 February attack on Jewish settlements, a number of responsible police and security officials in Gaza were dismissed from their jobs. The dismantlement of terrorist groups was started. <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prime Minister Sharon promised to halt military operations as long as the calm continues. He also undertook to stop targeted killings of suspected terrorists, to stop demolishing houses of suicide bombers and other terrorists and to allow families of terrorists expelled to Gaza to return to West Bank. Furthermore, Israel engaged to transfer several West Bank cities to Palestinian security control and to release 900 Palestinian prisoners in two groups. In the first one, 500 people have already been liberated. <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Security co-operation between Israelis and Palestinians increased, and they established four joint committees dealing with its different aspects.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However incidents of violence have been noted. The attack at the main crossing between Israel and the Gaza strip on 14 January 2005, claimed by Hamas, the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades and the Popular Resistance Committees jointly, killed 6 Israeli civilians.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On 25 February 2005, Palestine Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at a Tel Aviv nightclub, killing 5 and wounding more than 50. President Abbas vowed to punish those responsible. However, according to the Rapporteur&#8217;s Israeli interlocutors, not much has been done in this respect.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On 3 April children were killed by Israeli soldiers near the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian sources say they were playing football in the off limits area, the Israelis claim that they were smuggling arms.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">15.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Minor incidents of violence take place on the daily basis. According to the Israeli security forces a number of potential terrorist attacks are prevented thanks to the co-operation and information received from the Palestinians. It seems that the co-operation at the operational level is going better than at the high political level.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">16.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prime Minister Sharon has been pursuing his disengagement plan which foresees the unilateral withdrawal of Israeli troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip. On 15 February Sharon announced that Israeli forces had begun co-ordinating the withdrawal with the Palestinian Authority. On 20 February, the Israeli cabinet approved the evacuation to begin on 25 July. This deadline was subsequently postponed until 20 August.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">17.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The situation in the region has been developing in a positive direction. Some political observers believe that the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon could contribute to the progress of reaching a peace accord between Lebanon and Israel. <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">18.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In February 2005, Jordan proposed deploying Palestinian soldiers from Jordan to the northern West Bank, pending approval of the Parliamentary Assembly and Israel. Israel would not agree, but supported training of Palestinian security forces&#8217; officers in Jordan. Also in February, Jordan sent an ambassador to Israel and, in March, its Foreign Minister visited Israel for the first time in four years. In April, Israel released some Jordanian prisoners. Further negotiations in this respect are underway. <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><strong>III.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><u>MAIN CONCERNS<\/u><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">19.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Security situation remains a major concern. Even if the cease-fire except for some incidents is in force, the Israeli side complains of the slow progress in the dismantlement of terrorist groups. Reportedly, 400 people who are on the Israeli wanted list have so far not been disarmed. According to the Palestinian explanations, those people had refused to return their arms as long as the cities were under Israeli military control as they felt threatened. The Palestinian security forces were not in a position to use force against them. However, the Israelis fear that the present cease-fire will only profit the terrorist groups which use it for further consolidation of their forces. <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">20.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The construction of the wall, called by the Israeli a defensive fence and by the Palestinians the apartheid wall, is continuing. In February 2005, the Knesset adopted a revised itinerary closer to the pre-1967 border in some areas, yet still enveloping about 7 to 8 % of the West Bank with major settlements blocks. The Rapporteur can confirm that the Wall does not follow the Green Line and it is designed in such a way as to include areas for illegal settlements extensions planned in the future. Moreover, in certain areas it separates the Palestinian population from their lands and resources. It results sometimes in land and property confiscation and home demolitions. The Israeli officials, questioned by the Rapporteur, claimed that the wall did not follow a border line only in areas where security concerns prevailed but this might be modified after the final peace accord. However, after a visit to several sites in particular in Jerusalem, the Rapporteur has serious doubts whether the damage done to the local population will be reparable.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">21.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The construction of the wall adds to the existing problem of the lack of freedom of movement. This is particularly serious in view of the forthcoming parliamentary elections. The problems of candidate&#39;s movements during the electoral campaign and in some cases of voters during the presidential elections were reported. It would be most regrettable if the same problems reappeared during the parliamentary elections.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">22.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Extension of the illegal settlements constitutes another serious problem. The Palestinians fear that these &#8220;accomplished facts&#8221; weaken their future negotiation position. Moreover, they rightfully claim that the construction constitutes a violation of the international law and it is contradictory to the Roadmap.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">23.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Sharon&#39;s disengagement plan is implemented. The Palestinians complain that this action is considered by the Israelis as a unilateral step and not a part of the Roadmap process. On the other hand, the Israelis recall that the Roadmap process was designed as a goal-driven, phase by phase process and the Palestinian engagement for the first phase was the disarmament of the militia. As, in Israelis&#39; opinion, this action was not properly carried out, they prefer to stick to the unilateral withdrawal for the time being. <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">24.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As regards the forthcoming parliamentary elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council, all Rapporteur&#8217;s interlocutors on both sides agreed that their results will have an important impact on the peace process. The Palestinian leaders stress that the absence of improvement in the population&#39;s situation or any visible political success of the Government will play into the hands of the extremists, in particular the Hamas which has already declared the intentions of participating in the elections.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">25.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The victory of the Hamas might paralyse completely any prospects of negotiations especially if its leaders decide to keep the armed wing in addition to the political party.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">26.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Mr Mahmut Barbuti, former rival of Mr Abbas in the presidential elections, there is a chance to have a strong third force, a democratic wing which would gather supporters of the peace process who disapprove of the shortage in democratic accountability of Fattah. <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><strong>IV.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><u>ROLE OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE<\/u><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">27.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the Rapporteur&#8217;s opinion the Council of Europe should devote much more attention to the situation in the Middle East and revise its approach regarding the co-operation with the countries of the region. This means more intensive contacts with Israel and Palestinian Authority but also with other countries like Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">28.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Some democratic progress already achieved in the region leaves room for more coherent international support and action aimed at the promotion of democracy. The fundamental values of the Council of Europe should be much more actively promoted in this area and the role of the Council of Europe should increase considerably.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">29.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The parliamentary co-operation should constitute a crucial element of this co-operation. The Rapporteur has noted clear interest in this respect in three parliaments he visited.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">30.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In particular, the representatives of the Knesset and the Palestinian Legislative Council expressed their interest in the parliamentary co-operation. The Rapporteur discussed the modalities of the implementation of Resolution 1420 (2005) and agreed with both parties that the establishment of the Tripartite Forum will only be possible after the elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">31.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Rapporteur proposes to invite both parliaments to appoint permanent delegations according to the general rules of appointment of delegations to the PACE (proportional representation of the political forces); the Sub-Committee would also appoint a delegation, and the three parties would meet with their agenda along the lines of the former Joint Working Group on Chechnya.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">32.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Moreover, the representatives of the Palestinian Legislative Council would be invited on a permanent and institutionalised basis to attend the meetings of the Committee with a right to speak. <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">33.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An ultimate goal should be the granting of observer status to the Assembly, similar to the one enjoyed by the Knesset.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">34.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other necessary conditions for the increased parliamentary co-operation are fair and free elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council. The Parliamentary Assembly will observe the elections. The importance attached to this question is well illustrated by the fact that the Assembly will also assure a pre-election observation. <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">35.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Palestinian interlocutors expressed great interest in the legal assistance with drafting some laws for example, on the media and on the financing of political parties. The Rapporteur would transmit the relevant information to the Venice Commission, and make sure that both parties are in contact.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">36.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Council of Europe could also play an important role in other fields of its excellence like for example, revision of textbooks or training of the administration staff. <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">37.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe should be encouraged to play a more active role in the region. Besides the observation of local elections which it has been carrying out, it could increase the co-operation with local authorities and promote its action of &#8220;twinning&#8221; regions and towns.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><strong>V.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><u>PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE<\/u><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">38.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Rapporteur, the democratic process in the Palestinian Authority seems to be on the right track. As recently as during the visit the electoral law had been discussed and adopted by the Palestinian Legislative Council. <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">39.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The peace process remains at a crucial and delicate stage. According to the Israeli and Palestinian interlocutors the window of opportunity is still open despite some incidents on both sides. Both sides expect more engagements from one another.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">40.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The next few months will be very important for the whole future in the region. Firstly, the result of the elections may be determinant to the progress in the peace process. Secondly, the pullout from Gaza. The experience of the withdrawal may determine the next steps of the Israeli Government. If the disengagement plan is carried out smoothly, if there is no increase in violence or terrorist actions, if the Palestinian security forces get control over the Gaza Strip and assures security, the chances for the possible withdrawal from the West Bank will increase. On the contrary, the failure, particularly in the security area, will give the Israeli Government a strong argument for the maintenance of the military presence in the West Bank. In that case, the prospect of a two-state solution will be further away than ever.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:center;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><strong>Appendix<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><strong>PROGRAMME FOR THE VISIT OF MR MARGELOV<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><strong>RAPPORTEUR ON THE SITUATION ON MIDDLE EAST<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><strong>17 to 22 APRIL 2005<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><i><strong><u>17 April 2005 (Sunday<\/u><\/strong><\/i><i><strong>)<\/strong><\/i><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Arrival in Amman<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><i><strong><u>18 April 2005 (Monday<\/u><\/strong><\/i><i><strong>)<\/strong><\/i><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">10 am&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting with Mr&nbsp;&nbsp;Abdelhadi Al-Majali,&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaker of the Lower House of the Jordanese Parliament<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">11.30 am&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting with Mr Jehad Momani,&nbsp;&nbsp;President of the Senate<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">12.30 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting with the Members of the International Affairs Committee of the Parliament<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">2 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting with Mr Adnan Badran, Prime Ministrer<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">3.30 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting with the Members of the Palestine Committee of the Parliament<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><i><strong><u>19 April (Tuesday<\/u><\/strong><\/i><i><strong>)<\/strong><\/i><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">10 am&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting with Mr Farouk Kasrawi, Minister for Foreign Affairs<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">12.00 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting in the Defence Ministry<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">Lunch<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">Transfer to Jerusalem<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><i><strong><u>20 April 2005 (Wednesday<\/u><\/strong><\/i><i><strong>)<\/strong><\/i><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">8.30 am&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Departure to Ramallah <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">9 am&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting with Mr. Naser Al-Quodwa , Minister of Foreign Affairs.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">10 am<i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/i>Presentation by the Negotiations Affairs Unit.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">11am&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting with Dr. Ghassan Al-Khatib, Minister of Planning.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">12 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting with Members of the PLC.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">1 pm<i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/i>Meeting with NGO (PARC).<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">2 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lunch <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">3.30pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting with Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, Head of Health, Development, Information and Policy Institute (HDIP).<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">4.30pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Departure to Jerusalem.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><i><strong><u>21 April 2005 (Thursday<\/u><\/strong><\/i><i><strong>)<\/strong><\/i><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">10.30 am&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting with Mr. Efraim Zorof, Director of Centre Simon Wiesenthal.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">11.30 am&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting with Mr. Marc Sofer, Deputy General Director in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">12. 15 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting with Mr. Itzhak Eldan, Chief of Protocol.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">12. 30 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Departure for the Hotel King David.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">12. 45 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lunch offered by Mr. Jeremy Issaharov, Head of Department of Strategic Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">2 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Departure for Herzliya.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">3.30 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Visit to the Interdisciplinary Centre, Herzliya, meetings with MM. Uriel Rachman, Director of the Centre and Lior Lotan, General Director of the Institute of Antiterrorist Policy<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">4 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exchange of views with the participation of General Director and researchers of the Institute on Palestinian questions, Hezbollah, terrorism Shiite and world Jihad.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">5 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Departure for Tel Aviv<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">6.15 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting in the Headquarters with General Yossi Koperwasser, Head of Analysis in Military Intelligence Service.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">7 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting with General Udi Dekel, Head of Strategic Planning.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">8 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting in the Defense Ministry <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><i><strong><u>22 April 2005 (Friday<\/u><\/strong><\/i><i><strong>)<\/strong><\/i><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meetings with NGOs<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Visit to the Wall<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting with Ambassadors<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><i>Reporting Committee: <\/i>Political Affairs Committee.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;text-align:left;padding-bottom:4px;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\"><i>Reference to Committee: <\/i><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unispal.un.org\/pdfs\/E071B2A44E8265058525714E00668B2D.pdf\" style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#0000ff;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">Res. 1013 (1993)<\/a><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unispal.un.org\/pdfs\/6C890D4BCA57F7A38525714E006763B1.pdf\" style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#0000ff;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">Res. 1103 (1996)<\/a><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unispal.un.org\/pdfs\/CC6EDE231918DAEE8525714E006CFB3F.pdf\" style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#0000ff;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">Res. 1183 (1999)<\/a><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unispal.un.org\/pdfs\/C363694DEBBEC1CE8525714E0052D2BC.pdf\" style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#0000ff;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">Res. 1245 (2001)<\/a><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">, <\/span><span style=\"color:#424282;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">Rec. 1541 (2001)<\/span><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unispal.un.org\/pdfs\/B9D91C8423158DB88525714E00657802.pdf\" style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#0000ff;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">Res. 1281 (2002)<\/a><span style=\"color:#000000;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unispal.un.org\/pdfs\/A8E342AEA390603B8525714E0066118B.pdf\" style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#0000ff;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">Res. 1294 (2002)<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><i>Draft Resolution&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/i>unanimously adoptedby the Committee on 31.05.05<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><i>Draft Recommendation<\/i>unanimously adopted by the Committee on 31.05.05<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><i>Members of the Committee <\/i>: Mr Abd&#252;lkadir <strong>Ates<\/strong>&nbsp;(Chairperson), Mr Latchezar Toshev (Vice-Chairperson), Mr Dick Marty (Vice-Chairperson), Mr Konstantin <strong>Kosachev<\/strong>(Vice-Chairperson), Mrs Manuela Aguiar, Mr. Giuseppe Arzilli, Mr David <strong>Atkinson<\/strong>,<strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong>Mr Claudio Azzolini,Mr Miroslav <strong>Bene&#353;<\/strong>, Mr Radu-Mircea Berceanu, Mr Gerardo Bianco, r Haakon Blankenborg, Mr Giorgi Bokeria, Mrs Be&#225;ta <strong>Brestenk&#225;<\/strong>, Mr Doros Christodoulides, Mrs Anna Curdov&#225;, Mr Noel Davern, Mr Michel Dreyfus-Schmidt, Mr Adri Duivesteijn, Mrs Josette <strong>Durrieu<\/strong>, Mr Mikko <strong>Elo<\/strong>, Mr Jean-Charles Gardetto, Mr Charles Goerens, Mr Daniel Goulet, Mr Andreas <strong>Gross<\/strong>, Mr Klaus-J&#252;rgen Hedrich, Mr Jean-Pol <strong>Henry<\/strong>, Mr Joachim H&#246;rster, Mr Tadeusz <strong>Iwinski<\/strong>, Mr Elmir Jahic (alternate: Mr Sead <strong>Avdic<\/strong>), Mr Ljubi&#353;a <strong>Jova&#353;evic<\/strong>, Lord Frank Judd (alternate: Lord John <strong>Tomlinson<\/strong>), Mr Ivan <strong>Kalezic<\/strong>, Mr Oleksandr Karpov, Mr Oskars Kastens, Mr Petro Ko&#231;i, Mr Yuriy Kostenko, Mrs Darja Lavti&#382;ar-Bebler, Mr G&#246;ran <strong>Lindblad<\/strong>, Mr Tony Lloyd (alternate: Ms Jane <strong>Griffiths<\/strong>), Mr Younal Loutfi, Mr Mikhail <strong>Margelov<\/strong>, Mr Frano Matu&#353;ic, Mr Jos&#233; Medeiros Ferreira, Mr Evagelos Meimarakis (alternate: Mrs Elsa <strong>Papadimitriou<\/strong>), Mr Murat <strong>Mercan<\/strong>, Mr Jean-Claude Mignon, Mr Marko <strong>Mihkelson<\/strong>, Mrs Natalia Narochnitskaya (alternate: Mr Ilyas <strong>Umakhanov<\/strong>), Mr Zsolt N&#233;meth, Mrs Carina Ohlsson, Mr Boris Oliynyk, Mr Algirdas Paleckis (alternate: Mr Jonas <strong>Cekuolis<\/strong>), Mr Theodoros <strong>Pangalos<\/strong>, Mrs Eleonora Petrova-Mitevska, Mrs S&#243;lveig P&#233;tursd&#243;ttir, Mrs Clara Pintat Rossell, Mr Gordon Prentice (alternate: Sir Sydney <strong>Chapman<\/strong>), Mr Dumitru Prijmireanu, Mr Gabino <strong>Puche<\/strong>, Mr Llu&#237;s Maria de Puig, Mr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando (alternate: Mr Leo <strong>Brincat)<\/strong>, Mr Umberto Ranieri, Mr Michael Roth (alternate: Mr Rudolf <strong>Bindig<\/strong>&nbsp;), Mr Jan <strong>Rzymelka<\/strong>, Mr Peter <strong>Schieder<\/strong>, Mrs Juana Serna (alternate: Mr Julio <strong>Padilla<\/strong>), Mr Adrian <strong>Severin<\/strong>, Mrs Hanne <strong>Severinsen<\/strong>, Mr Samad <strong>Seyidov<\/strong>, Mr Leonid <strong>Slutsky<\/strong>, Mr Michael Spindelegger, Mr Zolt&#225;n <strong>Szab&#243;<\/strong>, Mr Mehmet Tekelioglu, Mr Tigran Torosyan, Mrs Marianne <strong>Tritz<\/strong>, Mr Vagif Vakilov (alternate: Mr Azim <strong>Mollazade<\/strong>), Mr Luc <strong>Van den Brande<\/strong>, Mr Varujan <strong>Vosganian<\/strong>, Mr Andrzej Wielowieyski, Mr Bart van Winsen, Mrs Renate Wohlwend, Mr Marco <strong>Zacchera<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><i>Ex-officio<\/i>: MM. M&#225;ty&#225;s <strong>E&#246;rsi,<\/strong>&nbsp;Mats Einarsson, <\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\">N.B. : The names of the members who took part in the meeting are printed in<strong>&nbsp;bold<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><i>Head of the Secretariat : <\/i>Mr Perin<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:4px;font-size:8pt;font-family:Verdana, san-serif;color:#000000;padding-bottom:4px;text-align:left;\">\n<p style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;\"><i>Secretaries to the Committee<\/i>: Mrs Nachilo, Mr Chevtchenko, Mrs Sirtori-Milner<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Parliamentary Assembly Assembl&#233;e&nbsp;parlementaire Situation in the Middle East Doc. 10570 3 June 2005 Report Political Affairs Committee Rapporteur: Mr Mikhail Margelov, Russian Federation, European Democrat Group Summary The election of Mr Mahmoud Abbas to the presidency of the Palestinian Authority in January 2005 opened a window of opportunity for the renewal of the peace process <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/auto-insert-193913\/\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[],"document-category":[1323],"document-source":[2721],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[2065,1797],"entity":[1889],"document-language":[6542],"class_list":["post-193913","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","document-category-report","document-source-council-of-europes-parliamentary-assembly","document-subject-electoral-issues","document-subject-peace-process","entity-intergovernmental-organization-or-multilateral","document-language-english"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/193913","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/193913\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=193913"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=193913"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=193913"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=193913"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=193913"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=193913"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=193913"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=193913"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}