December 2005 International Newsletter

December 2005 training centres, the national drug quality control Willkommen. Historic Iraq laboratory, 17 mental health care facilities, and 21 maternal health wards are in the process of Bienvenue. ongoing rehabilitation. Over 3,400 schools have Welcome. elections been rehabilitated; more than 30,000 teachers and healthcare workers have been trained and there was CONTACTS: The people of Iraq went to the polls for the third a fifty per cent growth in the economy in 2004. Rachel Cowburn time in 2005 on 15 December to vote in full national elections for a new representative four year To date, $32 billion has been pledged by the International term Iraqi Government; based on the constitution international community for reconstruction, and the Manager that was ratified in the October referendum. These UK has committed £544 million for humanitarian Rachel_Cowburn . historic elections demonstrated the real progress and reconstruction assistance, of which £453 million @new.labour.org.uk that is being made in Iraq, with the backing of the has already been disbursed. This has included money international community through the authority of the in response to emergency appeals, and millions of Nabila Sattar UN, and are a major step forward after decades of pounds for reconstruction and support to central Projects Manager London SW1H 9HP dictatorship. 15 million Iraqis registered their right government, the justice sector, independent media, (Westminster to vote in the elections, demonstrating the desire civil society and political participation. We have Foundation for contributed £70 million to the World Bank and UN Iraqis have to embrace democracy and defy the Democracy) terrorists. Over 300 political parties registered, International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq Nabila_Sattar compared with 111 for the January elections, trust funds. And DFID has recently announced plans to reflecting the increased participation of Sunni provide over £10 million to support Iraqi civil society @new.labour.org.uk Arabs. Prime Minister said, and political participation through two major new funds, managed by the British Council. Matthew Beevor ty all at 16 Old Queen Street, ar ‘I’d like to say how pleased I am at the prospect of the Projects Assistant first ever proper full democratic elections in Iraq and to And mirroring the political progress on a national (Westminster say it's extraordinary and uplifting to see so many level, Iraq now has a devolved system of government - Foundation for millions of people exercise their democratic rights. And almost all towns now have municipal councils and Democracy) y the Labour P whatever the huge challenges there are ahead, it shows those that have been elected are largely secular - and Matthew_Beevor very clearly that given the choice the Iraqi people want there is guaranteed protection of minority rights. Iraqi @new.labour.org.uk the same as the rest of us, which is a chance to live media and civil society are flourishing after years of under a democratic form of government.’ control. The Iraqi labour movement, persecuted and driven underground by the former regime, has grown Victoria Gould Despite this progress, we recognise that security enormously in confidence and strength since the fall International does remain a concern. We want to handover security of Saddam Hussein and there is now one unified Policy Officer lead to the Iraqis as soon as possible and the Iraqi union, the Iraqi Workers Federation. Although there Victoria_gould Government want to be able to provide their own remains a huge task to rebuild institutions which have @new.labour.org.uk security. But the actions of the insurgents and the been so damaged by years of repression and under terrorists are preventing this and, as President Talabani investment, justice systems are being rehabilitated, has said, it would be a catastrophe for Iraq if the and lawyers, judges, and prosecutors are being trained in international and humanitarian law. ty and reproduced from electronic media supplied b multinational forces were to abandon Iraq now. The ar Iraqis, supported by the United Nations, are fighting alongside British and other multinational forces under the authority of UN Security Council Resolution 1637. Our armed forces are in Iraq fulfilling the terms of this UK EU Presidency UN mandate at the invitation of the Iraqi government and we are working with the Iraqis on the development The UK Presidency of the European Union comes to an end on 31 December. Over on behalf of the Labour P of democracy; the formation of security forces to the last six months, the UK Presidency has delivered the historic launch of accession , ty negotiations with Turkey and Croatia. The richest EU member states, through Britain’s

ar protect it and social and economic reconstruction. leadership, agreed to commit to reaching the UN target of 0.7 per cent of GDP spent While we want to build all three, the terrorists want on aid by 2015. The UK Presidency has also achieved an historic deal on the reform to destroy all three. But, despite the terrorist activity, of the EU sugar sector, securing a sustainable future for the sector and getting a the Labour P , y progress is steadily being made on all fronts. Iraqi fairer deal for developing countries. The UK has also strengthened the EU position security forces now number 211,000 (exceeding the on climate change. multinational forces); the training and capacity of The Presidency has also reached agreement on a number of important pieces of forces is improving and 80 per cent of counter terror legislation, including the REACH regulation on chemicals and the Data Retention

General Secretar operations now have an Iraqi lead or involvement. Directive, an important measure against terrorism. We have also overseen moves

att, towards better regulation in the EU, with the Commission scrapping 68 proposals And away from the headlines, much of Iraq is stable. and simplifying another 100. The EU budget 160 billion cheaper than the original eter W Reconstruction is well underway and the lives of Commission proposals, provides for a huge transfer of spending from the original y P millions of ordinary Iraqis are being improved. The 15 to the new member states of eastern Europe, and preserves the British rebate rehabilitation of over 150 healthcare facilities is now in full on the CAP and all spending in the EU 15. complete and 272 primary health care facilities, 19 0663_05 Promoted b 1

International Newsletter

On 3 October 2005, International worst-affected people in Zambia will More UK Development Minister Gareth Thomas receive a combination of cash-grants announced that up to 86,000 Zambians and vouchers, which they can exchange facing food shortages will benefit from at local markets to buy food and aid to help the additional £1 million of support the essentials such as water, blankets and government has pledged. The fuel, without the need to sell vital announcement was made whilst the assets. The announcement brought the fight hunger Minister was in Zambia, accompanied by UK's total support to Zambia for its food Rosie Winterton, Minister of State for shortages to £1.5 million; and response Health Services. The money will be used to the food shortages facing southern in Zambia to support Oxfam in ensuring that the Africa to over £57 million. Photo: T om Le vitt MP

The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary address a group of senior MEPs Key representatives her mother, grandmother and sisters in of the European a brick-walled roofless compound. Her Every child father had died of AIDS and her visiting Parliament discuss cousin slept all day as she recovered from malaria. Her mother was fetching the UK Presidency is precious water from the neighbourhood well which was open three hours a day to Senior representatives of the European paying customers. Amelia lived in her Parliament were invited to London in June This picture has dominated the Labour grandmother’s arms. She had the worst to discuss the government's proposed Party’s campaign material on cerebral palsy I had seen. The size of a agenda for the UK Presidency of the EU. International Development, taken by MP doll, she had never spoken, walked or In light of the European Parliament's Tom Levitt, on a recent his trip to fed herself. Her hands were calloused powers of co-decision, the meeting was Zambia. It illustrates that children are through constant gripping. She cried organised by the government to ensure that the same the world over and deserve when she was not comfortable, key MEPs were involved in our presidency the same chance of a happy, healthy demanding 24 hour attention. The priorities from the very beginning. and fulfilling life. Tom Levitt MP PPS authorities had a special chair available, to the Secretary of State for but at 1,300 kwacha it was way above Development, said: the family’s budget. Just £1.30 would give comfort for the rest of her short “I travelled to Zambia last year to see life. My colleague, an aid worker, for myself the social, economic and promised to pay. educational challenges facing that country. On day three of my visit we left Then we met Sylvia, a delightful child Bauleni primary school in Lusaka with a lively personality and a ready impressed by the teaching, curriculum smile, her head hideously deformed with and well attended classes of hard hydrocephalus. I asked how old she working Zambian children. was. I guessed about ten, but her mother did not know. We sat and A teacher led us across a deserted chatted under a reed parasol, gathering Friday afternoon market place, pitted an audience. Out of school, the white with large pools of stagnant, unhealthy man with the camera attracted the water, taking us to see some of the children’s gaze. Months later, the most marginalized poor, disabled Labour Party used their image, as a children who received home-tuition. symbol of our noble cause, to continue David was bright with mild cerebral to work with others, the NGOs, the palsy. He would have attended school if churches, faith groups and many the ground had not been too wet and ordinary people, who are all The Prime Minister and Martin Schultz MEP, Leader of rough for his wheelchair. Then we met campaigning to end world poverty” the Socialist Group in the European Parliament Amelia. At five years old she lived with

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International Newsletter

For the European Union, the decision I do not underestimate the challenges A historic day for means that a close partner will be ahead, some of which are for Turkey. Turkey and the brought even closer. Turkey has long Turkey, like all candidate countries, has been key to the security of Europe as a to align its legislation with that of the European Union whole. European Union—an enormous task that is broken down into 35 separate Extracts from a statement made by Jack Turkey's economy is one of the fastest chapters covering issues from justice Straw, Foreign Secretary, to the House growing in Europe and it is already a and home affairs through to economic of Commons on 11 October 2005: major market for European Union policy and the environment. exporters. Turkey plays a vital role in Turkey is part of Europe. It was a the fight against international terrorism, Some of the challenges are for Turkey's founder member of the Council of cross-border crime and drug trafficking. neighbours—Greece and Cyprus—as Europe in the 1940s, and was invited By standing by our promise to Turkey, much as they are for Turkey. Some of by the United Kingdom, France and we will make the European Union the challenges ahead are for Europe as others to join NATO as early as 1952. stronger, safer and more competitive. a whole, including continuing in good The prospect of European Union faith to help Turkey prepare for full membership was first offered to Turkey The decision made on 3 October was, membership of the European Union. some 42 years ago. That promise was however, even more significant than Equally, the process means setting out repeated by the Union in ever more that. For more than 1,000 years, the clearly to our own peoples why having concrete terms in 1999 and in 2002. boundaries between Europe and Asia Turkey as a member of the European In December last year, and again in have principally been decided through Union will bring direct benefit to all of June this year, a specific start date of bloodshed and conflict. By welcoming them. We have to show that the 3 October – during the UK’s Presidency Turkey, with its large Muslim population, greatest threat to our European culture of the EU – was set. we are embarking on a new era in which and heritage comes not from opening it is manifest that the European Union our doors to a vibrant, secular nation There is no doubt that Turkey and and Europe is not just an exclusive such as Turkey, but from closing in on Europe as a whole will benefit from this “Christian club”, at best cold to its ourselves and allowing Europe to decision in equal measure. For Turkey, neighbours, at worst actively hostile. stagnate in the face of global it represents another significant step competition. on its long journey to becoming a Instead, we are able to show that what Rt. Hon. MP fully European nation. The accession binds this modern Europe together is a process – which will take at least ten set of fundamental rights and freedoms The Labour Party, through the years - will strengthen the wide-ranging combined with a common purpose, Westminster Foundation for Democracy, reform programme that has been regardless of race or religion. That is a worked with sister parties and pushed through in recent years and powerful message not only to the organisations from France, Germany, will give renewed impetus to further people of other faiths who live in the Netherlands and Sweden to improvements to the rule of law, neighbouring countries, but to the organise a seminar in Brussels entitled respect for human rights and millions who already live within the “The Turkish road to EU Membership – democratic institutions. borders of the European Union. Challenges and Pitfalls”. The Labour Party was represented by Eric Joyce MP, country liaison MP for Turkey. South Asia earthquake “The WTO Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong represents an important opportunity to make significant progress in the Doha The South Asia earthquake registered 7.6 on the richter scale, Development Agenda (DDA), which in turn could make a killed over 70,000 and affected over 3.5 million people. A donor significant contribution to reducing global poverty. The UK reconstruction conference was held in Islamabad, Pakistan on Government is committed to achieving a successful, 19 November. At this, Gareth Thomas MP, International pro-development outcome to the Hong Kong Ministerial. Development Minister, pledged a further £70 million towards reconstruction following the South Asia earthquake. This is in A pro-development outcome would deliver improved participation addition to the £33 million already pledged, bringing the total UK by developing countries in the world trading system, through contribution to over £100 million. substantially increased market access for developing countries and the dismantling of trade-distorting subsidies by Trade Justice industrialised countries. We recognise that trade liberalisation is not a panacea, and trade reforms must be carefully sequenced and part of a wider development and poverty reduction strategy. 2005 has been a big year for international development. In June, ’s deal with world finance ministers cancelled large We will continue to press hard for meaningful special and chunks of the debt that has crippled the poorest countries. differential treatment for developing countries across all At Gleneagles Tony Blair helped deliver an agreement pledging elements of the negotiations, including ensuring that any $50 billion extra in aid. agriculture deal takes into account developing countries' rural development and food security needs. The third crucial building block is fairer trade. Labour’s manifesto pledged the Government to secure it and December’s World Moreover, we will continue to work hard to support the poorest Trade Organisation talks offer a chance to bring it closer. Below and most vulnerable producers, be it through multilateral is the statement on Trade Justice and the Hong Kong Trade talks negotiations in the WTO or regional trade agreements such as given by Alan Johnson MP, Secretary of State for Trade and the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). Industry on 1 November:

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International Newsletter Annual Conference 2005

The Labour Party Annual Conference took place in Brighton 25-29 September The Prime Minister at the International Reception Diana Holland, then Chair of the Britain in the 2005. The international dimension of World Policy Commission addresses the sister party conference this year was very party lunch. successful with approximately 250 international visitors from sister parties, embassies, high commissions and international organisations from across the world participated. The keynote speech, given by Prime Minister Luisa Diago of Mozambique was well received and thought-provoking. Other international visitors included the Deputy Prime Minister of Israel, Shimon International visitors listen to the Leader’s The Prime Minister of Mozambique speech. addresses conference. Peres; the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Jiri Paroubek; the Prime Minister of Macedonia, Vlado Buchkovski; the President of Serbia, Boris Tadic; the Foreign Minister of Macedonia – Ilinka Mitreva, and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Palestine – Abdullah Abdullah. The six party events run by the International Unit were well attended and helped give international observers a good idea of how Colleagues at the sister party lunch Jack Straw talks to diplomatic colleagues conference works and what Labour is trying to achieve in our third term in government.

The Labour Party annually receives participate in the first multi-party Update from the funds from the Westminster Foundation elections since 1980. In Cyprus, for Democracy to run democracy- a workshop was organised in October building projects in various parts of the for sister parties from the Middle East Labour Party world. Projects are designed to help and the Mediterranean aimed at like minded political parties develop strengthening the involvement of and Westminster their organisation and infrastructure; women in building and maintaining to assist them in media, campaigning the culture of peace. This was in and election activity and to work with co-operation with the SDLP. In the Foundation for them to develop their political Balkans, the second workshop for positions. the Stability Pact Network was held in Sofia, Bulgaria in October 2005. Democracy Listed below are some of the The Network was established in highlights of the work carried out response to the Stability Pact for South between June 2005 and November East Europe and is a forum for the 2005. socialist and social democratic parties of the region to meet and reach a A study Programme was organised common view on regional issues. alongside Annual Conference in In Romania, a political assessment Brighton for our sister parties from visit was carried out where the current Africa and the Balkans. In Tanzania, political situation and the country’s a workshop was organised in June for moves towards European Union sister parties from across Africa on membership were discussed. strengthening women’s involvement in Developments in the Ukraine were the political process. This was the third also assessed following the so-called in a series of workshops and focused ‘Orange Revolution’ last year. Workshop discussing HIV/Aids in Tanzania specifically on the issue of HIV/AIDS. In Uganda, an assessment visit was carried where next year the county will

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International Newsletter Update from the European Parliamentary Labour Party

meeting with Dave Prentis, new categories of minority - stateless General Secretary of Unison. persons and linguistic minorities - to combat discrimination and racism in Newly elected Labour MPs visit Europe. This report defines for the first the European Parliament time what it means to be a minority in In October the EPLP invited Labour’s the EU. When Europe was enlarged to new MPs to Brussels to visit the 25 member states it was said that European Parliament to see first hand countries would be judged on how they how the EU works. treated their minorities. This report sets the ball rolling by defining these CAP Reforms groups so the mechanisms can be put North West MEP Terry Wynn has led the in place to report and deal with EPLP’s campaign for reforms to the discrimination. Common Agriculture Policy by calling for full disclosure of agricultural payments Dolphins saved by new tuna label in all EU countries. Dolphin friendly tuna will be much friendlier after the EP signed up to The EU spends some £45 billion on stricter standards for tuna fishing. agriculture every year and 20 per cent The new standards will guarantee the The UK’s Presidency of the EU of recipients get 80 per cent of the end of dolphin deaths and the danger Since the UK took over the Presidency funds. The EPLP believes that if the EU to other species like turtles and of the EU in July, Labour MEPs have wants to be democratically accountable, sharks. The ‘dolphin safe’ label will been working hand in hand with the the taxpayer should be able to see only be granted when no dolphins are government to shape the European exactly where this CAP money is spent, reported injured or killed in fishermen's agenda and deliver British priorities. but so far only Denmark, the UK, nets. Previous dolphin friendly labels Prime Minister Tony Blair MP addressed Estonia, Sweden and Slovenia make have certified tuna which was caught the European Parliament’s plenary this information available. This system by fishermen aiming to reduce dolphin session in Brussels on the 23 June and has to change. Transparency will help deaths but stopped short of in Strasbourg on 26 October. The Prime the reform process. guaranteeing that dolphins would be Minister also had meetings with the safe. Catherine Stihler MEP, Labour's EPLP to discuss their role in shaping Breast cancer awareness European spokesperson on fisheries legislation to deliver Labour’s goals at Labour MEPs have been rallying to said: “People's purchasing power has a European level. support breast cancer awareness in the won the day. Consumers will not accept light of shocking statistics that every unnecessary deaths or damage to the Labour’s key priorities for the EU two minutes a woman in the EU dies of environment to catch their food. The Presidency - climate change, Africa, breast cancer. Labour MEPs have been food industry has now woken up to security and better regulation have highlighting the dramatic improvement this.” received wide support in Brussels. in breast cancer survival in the UK and This six-month period has seen Labour calling for increased awareness that is MEPs ban dangerous chemicals values promoted throughout the EU. vital for early detection of the disease. from children’s toys Labour MEPs voted to ban chemicals EPLP away day New rights for professionals to work used in children's toys that can result Just after the summer recess the EPLP across Europe in fertility problems and serious held an away day to discuss political Labour's spokesperson on the Internal disease such as cancer. Phthalates objectives for the parliamentary term. Market and Consumer Protection, which are used to soften PVC toys can The away day was also attended by the Arlene McCarthy MEP, led the fight for get into the bodies of young children Cabinet minister and EU new laws to recognise professional when they put plastic toys in their Commissioner Margot Wallstrom. There qualifications throughout the EU, which mouths. Parliament banned the three was a general agreement that the will smooth the way for professionals most dangerous phthalates from future priorities should be economic and who currently have difficulties taking up use in toy manufacturing and placed social reform and security. Cross- jobs in other member states. Labour tough restrictions on another three cutting these two themes were the MEPs also demanded that chemicals. issues of better regulation and the professionals have the linguistic skills positive benefits of EU enlargement. to be able to communicate proficiently Farewell to EPLP Secretary General in the language of their host country. At the end of October EPLP Secretary Labour Party Annual Conference 2005 General, Nick Smith, resigned his post Over 120 delegates attended the Minority rights to spend more time with his family. EPLP’s briefing meeting at conference In June Labour MEP Claude Moraes put Nick will leave the EPLP towards the this year with the the Foreign Secretary, a report before parliament proposing end of November. The EPLP wishes him Jack Straw. The EPLP also held a the recognition of gay rights and two all the best in his future endeavours.

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International Newsletter

International notice board

Election watch 5 May – our sister party retained power in Dominica. Good news too in Mongolia where the Mongolian Revolutionary Party won the presidential election after losing the parliamentary elections. Sergei Stanishev, the young Leader of the Bulgarian Socialist Party has become PES Leaders Photo Prime Minister, leading a coalition government following the general election in June. It was second time round for Jens Stoltenberg, who became Prime Minister following the victory of the Norwegian Labour Party in September. However, the Hungarian Social Democrats were unable to win their Presidential election whilst in Albania, the governing Socialist Party lost to the right-wing Democratic Party. In New Zealand, Helen Clarke won a narrow victory in the polls becoming New Zealand's first Labour leader to win three consecutive terms in office. In Afghanistan, Women's rights activist Malalai Joya was one of the first winners named following September’s first parliament and provincial Rt Hon Tony Blair MP, PM Zapatero of Spain, PES President Rasmussen assembly elections. In Germany, after an extremely close election and much negotiation, the SPD lost the Chancellorship to the right-wing CDU and entered into a Right/Left coalition under Chancellor Angela Merkel. In Poland, the Law and Justice Party, which narrowly won general elections last month after beating the Democratic Left Alliance, is holding coalition talks after its candidate, Lech Kaczynski, also won the Presidential election. Rt Hon John Prescott MP addresses the PES Council Tony McNulty MP discusses immigration issues in the Netherlands Party of European Socialists in Vienna Tony Blair hosted a meeting in 10 The Labour Party delegation, was led Downing Street of eight Prime The Labour Party hosted a meeting Ministers, fifteen party leaders and by the Deputy Prime Minister (who of PMs’ personal representatives many leading politicians of the addressed the Council) and included (Sherpas) on 7 September. The European institutions on the eve of the the party chair, two members of the meeting, taking place for the first EU Informal Summit on social Europe NEC (Maggie Jones and Mel Whitter), time outside of Brussels, discussed and globalisation. The challenges and a Member of Parliament (Shahid strengthening the European economy; opportunities of globalisation and Malik), a Member of the European demographic challenges and ways in increased economic competition were Parliament (Neena Gill) and the which the offices of PES Prime discussed. International Manager. The Council Ministers could cooperate more in agreed PES Priorities for 2006 and the future. Colleagues from Spain, The regular co-ordination meeting reform of the PES. More info available the Czech Republic, Sweden and (international secretaries) took place in from the PES website (www.pes.org) or Bulgaria attended the meeting,in Brussels on 2 June. This was to from the International Manager. addition to colleagues from the prepare the PES Council, which took No 10 Political Office. place in Vienna on 22 and 23 June.

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International Newsletter

PES international secretaries met again A global network of parliamentarians in Brussels on 15 September at the from SI member states was also Britain in the World regular co-ordination meeting to established. More information on all of prepare for the forthcoming Presidency the above is available from the SI Policy Commission and Leaders meetings. Robert Evans website (www.socialistinternational.org) MEP represented Ian McCartney, Labour or from the International Manager. Update Party Chair at the PES Presidency Conference 2005 agreed new proposals meeting in Brussels on 22 September. Bi-lateral work improving Partnership in Power (PiP) - the The Deputy Prime Minister addressed a Labour Party staff travelled to Germany party's policy-making process - giving members, Conference in October on Social Europe and Sweden to discuss campaigning. local parties and affiliates a stronger voice in in Brussels, organised by the PES and The leader of the Finnish Social shaping party policy. The Britain in the World the ETUC. Also in October, Tony McNulty democrats, Eero Heinäluome, met with Policy Commission is one of six commissions spoke at a PES meeting in Amsterdam Labour Party Chair Ian McCartney in that deals with issues relating to foreign policy, on Asylum and Immigration, organised July to discuss party development defence and international aid and development in co-operation with our Dutch sister issues. Colleagues from the and is comprised of members and stakeholder party. Tim Nuthall (Party Press Officer) Democratic Left Alliance in Poland groups within the party. The commission is represented the party at a seminar in spent two days in London meeting with responsible for engaging with the party on these Brussels on communications. key party staff, including the General policy issues, looking at how we address future Secretary. The party also hosted challenges we face in these areas and building colleagues from the Ukraine. Several a dialogue with party stakeholders. colleagues from the Australian Labour Party held meetings with colleagues in The Britain in the World Policy Commission London and future work with the ANC has consistently received a large number of was discussed with a visiting colleague submissions, reflecting the importance of foreign from South Africa. Colleagues from the policy to our party, on a range of issues, including: Province of the Western Cape also how Labour can take forward its efforts to tackle participated in a series of meetings to global poverty and promote social justice; how discuss work with the media. Meetings e can work for peace and security in an were also held with colleagues from increasingly uncertain world; and how we can Macedonia and the Hungarian Embassy secure a stronger Britain in a stronger Europe. kindly hosted a reception for members The commission maintained a close and open Labour Party Chair Ian McCartney and PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen sign the ‘Make of Young Labour and Labour Students dialogue with the government and party Poverty History Band’ in the European in order to gain a greater understanding stakeholders in the previous round of Partnership Parliament of Hungary. in Power meaning the party’s 2005 manifesto reflected the strength of feeling across a range Sister Party conferences of issues. These included working for an ECOSY The Swedish Social Democrats held international arms trade treaty; a goal to provide Labour Students and Young Labour their Congress in Malmo between 29 100 per cent debt relief for the world’s poorest hosted a weekend meeting of October and 03 November. The Prime countries and a timetable of 2013 for achieving representatives of ECOSY (Young Minister sent a video message of the UN target of 0.7 per cent of GNI spent on European Socialists) on 12 and 13 support, which was warmly welcomed international development. November. Politicians, political staff by the delegates. In his message, the In the first year of the new round of PiP,the and academics addressed the group Prime Minister spoke of the successes commission has drawn up a work programme and various issues were widely of the Swedish Social Democratic Party; dealing with topical issues. The commission will discussed including the EU Presidency the numerous areas of cooperation be focusing on issues such as the future of and the forthcoming EU Youth Council. between the two parties and the two Europe; the next steps in the 2005 agenda on governments and of his personal regard international development and the progress Socialist International Council for Swedish Prime Minister and Party achieved during the UK’s presidency of the G8 The Socialist International Council met Leader, Göran Persson. Apart from and EU; tackling the threats posed by global in Tel Aviv and Ramallah on 23 and 24 speeches from key Swedish Social terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass May to discuss the Middle East Peace Democrats, the Congress also adopted destruction and working towards an international Process. The party was represented by a series of policy guidelines, including arms trade treaty; and promoting human rights, Ian Stewart MP and the International a new international programme peace and democracy around the world. Manager. The Council was addressed by (available, in English, from both the Leader of the Israeli Labour www.sap.se.) During Conference, Britain in the World Policy Party Shimon Peres and the President Commission members had the opportunity to of the Palestinian Authority Abu Mazen meet privately with the Prime Minister of (Mahmoud Abbas). A declaration on Mozambique. The list of the new members of the democracy and peace in the Middle Britain in the World Policy Commission will be East was adopted and papers on published in the next edition of the international financial and economic issues; trade newsletter. Each policy commission will also have and social rights; reform of the UN; its own individual website explaining the labour sustainable development and the party policy making process and issues currently information society were discussed. under discussion in each policy commission. Watch this space for further details

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