OSCE Parliamentary Assembly opens 18th session in Vilnius

PanARMENIAN.Net - The agenda of PACE Parliamentary Assembly's 18th session comprises issues on organization strengthening, reforms and encouragement of human rights and freedoms, energy and security of food products, problems caused by climate changes, freedom of speech and arms control.



During PACE PA session participants will hear speeches by Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus, Seim Speaker Aurunas Velinskas, OSCE PA Speaker Joao Soares, Greek Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Dora Bakoyannis and PACE Chairman Louis Maria de Pouch. Session will be followed by the adoption Vilnius Declaration containing recommendations on all issues considered.



OSCE Parliamentary Assembly will also elect a new president. Acting President Jose Soaresh hopes for being re-elected for a second term. The next session is due in 2010 in Norway, OSCE's International Secretariat reports.



OSCE Parliamentary Assembly was founded in 1990, during the organization's summit in Paris. Its objectives include conflict prevention and post-conflict settlement. The organization unites 56 countries of Europe, North America and Asia.