On the basis of a report by Tiny Kox (Netherlands, UEL), the PACE Political Affairs Committee today gave the go-ahead for granting Partner for Democracy status to the Palestinian National Council. The Assembly is to take a decision on this matter at its October plenary session in Strasbourg.

“Acquiring this status is considered to be an important incentive to further develop democracy, the rule of law and protection of human rights in the Palestinian Territories,” said Mr Kox. At a time when the people in a number of Arab and Mediterranean countries have clearly expressed the wish to enjoy fundamental political and social rights, the committee deems it important that Palestinians, with their emerging political institutions, continue firmly on the path of democratic transformation. (more...)