The turmoil in the Arab world dominated debates at the IPU Assembly in Panama in April which was attended by a delegation from Britain led by Robert Walter MP. Mr Walter – Chair of the British Group of the IPU – told delegates from over 100 countries in the IPU that recent events in North Africa could spread to other countries in the region.
The purpose of the visit was to broaden and strengthen relations between Parliament and the National People’s Congress, and provide an opportunity for the All Party Parliamentary China Group to demonstrate the work it undertakes to support and develop the UK-China bilateral relationship, as well as deepening understanding of the UK Parliament.
Almost every week, parliamentary delegations arrive at Westminster – many are courtesy of the Inter-Parliamentary Union: nothing unusual about that. What was unusual about the delegation which arrived at the end of March was that they were from North Korea, and, indeed, that they are members of the Inter Parliamentary Union.
Overall a great deal has been achieved in a short period in Georgia. There are very grave difficulties, but these are being tackled by an able, innovative and optimistic people. Understandably the Russian presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia was the main theme on the minds of the parliamentarians whom the delegation met.
This parliamentary event was organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and UN Women on the occasion of the 55th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. The theme was: The role of Parliaments in promoting access and participation of women and girls to education, training, science and technology.
In cooperation with the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the UN convened a Parliamentary Hearing on Towards Economic Recovery: Rethinking Development, Retooling Global Governance at UN Headquarers in New York from 3 to 4 December 2010. Parliamentarians from around 70 countries were able to discuss key opportunities and challenges for ensuring sustainable economic development with a particular focus on current institutions of global governance and how they might need to be adapted to better respond to current global economic conditions.
Calls for a trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur – South America’s version of the Common Market – were top of the list in discussions between Uruguayan politicians and a visiting British delegation recently. In a succession of meetings, they covered a wide range of issues including the provision of a base for British Antarctic Survey ships and more co-operation between universities in the two countries.
In a visit to Turkey from 17 to 22 October 2010, UK parliamnetarians had a series of deep discussions with senior Turkish MPs, representing the IPU, the Anglo-Turkish Friendship Group, and the leading political parties, as well as the Human Rights Commission, the EU Harmonisation Committee, and the Foreign Affairs Committee. Key issues discussed included Turkey’s aspirations for EU membership, UK-Turkey relations, political matters in the country and human rights issues, as well as regional developments.
Some 460 Members of Parliament (including 22 Speakers) from 118 countries participated in the 123rd IPU Assembly in genva from 4 to 6 October 2010. The UK delegation was led by Nigel Evans MP and comprised the rt Hon Ann Clwyd MP and The Viscount Montgomery of Alamein CMG CBE. The three-day Assembly adopted an emergency resolution entitled: Immediate action to support international relief efforts in response to natural disasters, in particular with regard to flood-stricken Pakistan.
The delegation to Angola was the second to visit the country since the devastating 27 year civil war which ended in 2002. The focus of the delegation was very much on the way in which Angola is dealing with the social and physical consequences of the war. It was also focused on the developments in the National Assembly which in September 2008 held its first parliamentary election since 1992.
