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WARSAW SUMMIT TO DETERMINE THE FUTURE POLITICAL ROLE OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE

Official

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.