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It-Tlettax-Il Leġiżlatura Pl 3023

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It-Tlettax-Il Leġiżlatura Pl 3023 IT-TLETTAX-IL LEĠIŻLATURA P.L. 3023 Dokument imqiegħed fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra tad-Deputati fis-Seduta Numru 204 tas-6 ta’ Marzu 2019 mill-Ispeaker, l-Onor. Anġlu Farrugia. ___________________________ Raymond Scicluna Skrivan tal-Kamra 13th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) 21 - 22 February 2019 Belgrade, Serbia Hon Aaron Farrugia, MP Hon Clayton Bartolo, MP Hon Etienne Grech, MP Hon Ryan Callus, MP Hon Ivan Bartolo, MP REPORT TO THE SPEAKER BY MEMBER/S OF PARLIAMENT PARTICIPATING IN CONFERENCE/MEETING ABROAD 1. TITLE OF CONFERENCE/MEETING: 131H PLENARY SESSION OF 1HE PAM 2.DATE: 21-22 FEBRUARY 2019 3.MEMBER: HON. AARON FARRUGIA HON. CLAYTON BARTOLO HON. ETIENNE GRECH HON. RYAN CALLUS HON. IVAN BARTOLO I 4. ITEM/S ON THE AGENDA: Agenda attached with heading (A) 5. MEETING CONCLUSIONS, IF ANY: Omunittee reports and resolutions attached with heading (B) 6. INTERVENTIONS MADE BY MEMBER: Addressing the 1st Standing Omunittee on counter-terrorism strategies, Hon. Fanugia emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism He highlighted that a number of foreign terrorist fighters come from a modest background and unstable regions and consequently end up looking at terrorist organisations as there only hope. Hon. Fanugia underlined that it is important for Governments to place more emphasis on youth, as they have the potential to successfully and effectively transform their own future. He spoke on the need for Mediterranean countries to provide every child with a sure start, thus developing a long term educational and employment programme where one can fulfil his ambitions and aspirations. Intervening also during this session, Hon. Ryan Callus spoke on the need to develop more comprehensive preventive programmes for children and youth exposed to radicalism and extremism In these early stages of a young person's life, it is easier to limit the effects of radicalisation as opposed to converting foreign terrorist fighters on their return to their homeland. He explained that there are multiple reasons why a person opts to join a terrorist organisation, including but not limited to socio-economic inequality, discrimination, poor educational structures, and how the lack of quality employment opportunities interplay in the trajectory towards violent extremism and terroristic aspirations. Addressing the 3rd Standing Conunittee on the ongoing migration crisis in the Mediterranean, Hon. Aaron Farrugia spoke on the importance to recognise the struggles faced by small countries such as Malta. He highlighted that Malta receives per capita the biggest number of irregular migrants. Hon. Farrugia highlighted that Malta is proud to be part N.B. (i) In the case of a delegation, one report may be drawn up incorporating all the interventions made and bearing the signature of each Member (ii) The report is to be submitted not later than 10 days after the end of the conference/meeting of the European coalition of the willing, thus promoting the integration and relocation of migrants. The Head of the Maltese delegation addressed also the issue of hwnan traffickers and called on countries to address, in an effective manner, transnational crime and called on NGO vessels, which conduct search and rescue operations, to stick to their tenns of reference and observe international law. Intervening also during this session, Hon. Etienne Grech highlighted that Malta has always remained committed to its Mediterranean vocation and continues to actively promote the role of parliamentarians to bring about positive and durable change. He invited Members present to referto the 17 January2019 Valletta Conclusions, adopted by the national Parliaments of the 5 +5 Western Mediterranean dialogue, which focus on the importance to address migration within a holistic framework, thus including action related to climate change and sustainable development, youth, education and employment. 7. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS YOU FEEL SHOULD BE ATTACHED Press Release attached with heading (Q \9 Date I Date I_; Date Report on the 13th Plenary Session of the PAM On 21 and 22 February 2019 the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean held its 13th Plenary Session in Belgrade, Serbia. The meeting was hosted by the Parliament of Serbia. Maltese Delegation Hon. Aaron Farrugia, Head of Delegation Hon. Clayton Bartolo, MP Hon. Etienne Grech, MP Hon. Ryan Callus, MP Hon. Ivan Bartolo, MP Mr Paul Mifsud, Advisor Mr Simon Pullicino, MFTP Director Ms Karen Mamo, Research Analyst Meeting of the PAM Bureau Opening the session, PAM President Roque gave a general outline of the agenda for the Bureau and Plenary meeting. Taking the floor, the SG highlighted the important role of the members of the Bureau, especially with regard to the meetings of the North and South geopolitical groups. The SG explained that the South Group is faced with four candidatures for four vacant posts, therefore there is no need of an election. However, the North group is faced with six candidatures for four vacant posts. The candidatures were as follows: France, Italy, Israel, Portugal, Malta and Serbia. The SG informed that as per normal practice, both Israel and Palestine will be elected in their respective groups as a sign of good will and closer dialogue between the two sides. SG Piazzi further communicated that PAM is currently examining the application of Qatar to become an associate member of the Plenary. He explained that Qatar has been collaborating with PAM since 2009 and that PAM has been invited to participate in the Qatar IPU conference in April 2019. Addressing the financial situation of the PAM, SG Piazzi informed that the 10% increase was a positive move for the assembly and a greatly needed one. Furthermore, SG Piazzi proposed PAM builds a reserve fund to cover the PAM budget between annual contribution payments. This would ensure PAM has available funds all year long. Speaking on the number of regional offices, SG Piazzi explained that meetings held with the UN continued to strengthen the PAM clout in the UN and PAM is currently discussing the possibility to issue UN passports for PAM MPs. This would further facilitate travel and participation by southern Mediterranean countries. He explained that it is important to strengthen the other regional offices in Geneva and Jerusalem. He mentioned the excellent relations with the Government of Malta, the temporary relocation in Aragon House and the audit exercise carried out locally. SG informed members present that he asked Hon. Aaron Farrugia's assistance to resolve recent and ongoing issues concerning the closure of the BOV bank account and VAT returns. The SG promised that PAM will reinforce the central office in Malta and will continue discussions with local authorities to resolve the issues. Hon. Aaron Farrugia, Head of Delegation, addressed members present and explained that Malta has always honoured its commitments and agreements with PAM. In fact, to make sure the Secretariat could continue to fully operate, the MFTP proposed a number of buildings to the SG and finally an agreement was reached by the two sides. In fact, the Maltese Government is renting Aragon House, in spite the delays to sign the MoU by the PAM SG. Hon. Farrugia underlined that the statute recognizes Malta as the Headquarters of the PAM and as such cannot understand why the SG insists on keeping the Secretariat in Bucharest or operating from remote regional offices. Hon. Farrugia reassured members present that he will personally see to the issues raised by the SG and will be following closely the smooth transition of the Secretariat back to Malta. Am b. Majallie Whbee, PAM Roving Ambassador and Senior Advisor lamented that Malta has been promising a lot but in reality nothing changes. He highlighted that the Palazzo Spinola issue is of grave concern and that in the interest of PAM it should be resolved urgently. Hon. Farrugia explained that Malta took immediate action and provided PAM with a state of the art environment where to continue its operations unaffected. Malta has been paying for an office which was left empty by the SG. The SG agreed to provide the Maltese authorities with a new list of needs and requirements. Whilst agreeing that the Aragon building is good for a transitional period, the SG proposed the need to identify a new building for PAM. He turned his attention to the newly opened NATO office in Naples and explained that PAM will strengthen relations with this office too. SG Piazzi expressed disdain at the fact that the BOV has on numerous times closed the bank account of PAM. This is problematic and disrupts the work of PAM. Meeting of the North Geopolitical group Candidates: France, Israel, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Serbia Malta vote: France, Malta, Italy and Israel Elected Candidates: Italy, Israel, Portugal and France. 13'" Plenary Session The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia HE Veroljub Arsic, welcomed members present to the Parliament of Serbia and underlined the importance to strengthen dialogue across the Mediterranean region. He highlighted that national Parliaments hold an important role as they act as guardians of democratic principles. Furthermore, cooperation at regional level is imperative to ensure the Mediterranean fosters an environment of justice and prosperity. HE Arsic underlined that coordination at a bilateral and multilateral level on issues of common concern is very important and needed in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Addressing also the opening session, the Minister for Foreign Affairs HE lvica Dacic, spoke on the challenges posed by climate change and that national Parliaments should be more active in the dialogue and action taken at the national and regional level. The Minister underlined that Serbia remains committed to foster dialogue and play a more central role in regional and international organizations such as PAM and the UN. Minister Dacic welcomed the possibility to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy through the PAM's work and called for a joint approach on issues concerning democracy, the rule of law and peace in the Mediterranean region.
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