A1plus
| 13:56:52 | 13-05-2005 | Official |
WARSAW SUMMIT TO DETERMINE THE FUTURE POLITICAL ROLE OF THE COUNCIL OF
EUROPE
Strasbourg, 12.05.2005 – For the first time in history, the Heads of State
and Government of 46 European democracies – member states of the Council of
Europe – will meet in the Royal Castle of Warsaw on 16 and 17 May for the
Summit of European Unity, to reaffirm the core values on which Europe is
built, define the political mandate of the Council of Europe and chart its
action for the coming years. The principal tasks of the Council of Europe
will be determined during three major debates:
`European unity, European values’ At the first plenary session on Monday
morning (16 May), the Council of Europe member states will renew their
commitment to the Council’s common values and principles – above all,
democracy, human rights and the rule of law – throughout the continent. In
this context, priority will be given to the ensuring of the continued
effectiveness of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Council’s
unique human rights protection mechanism. `Challenges for European society’
The second plenary session on Monday afternoon will concentrate on concerted
action in response to new threats to the security of European citizens, such
as terrorism, corruption and organised crime as well as trafficking in human
beings. On this occasion, three new Council of Europe conventions – on the
prevention and financing of terrorism and on trafficking in human beings –
will be opened for signature. The session will also address questions
related to the building of a more humane and inclusive Europe – such as
social cohesion, protection of children, political participation, the
promoting of cultural diversity and the fostering of intercultural dialogue.
`European architecture’
The third and final plenary session on Tuesday morning (17 May) will focus
on ensuring cooperation and complementarity of the Council of Europe and
other European partner organisations.
The Warsaw Summit will start on Monday, 16 May, at 10.00 am, with the
`family photo’ of the 46 Heads of State and Government, followed by the
opening speech of the Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski (10.15 am).
The list of participants will be published on Friday 13 May.
A press conference will take place on Monday 16 May at 6.15 pm.
The final press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, 17 May, at 12.50 pm.