IT-TLETTAX-IL LEĠIŻLATURA
P.L. 1615
Dokument imqiegħed fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra tad-Deputati fis-Seduta Numru 109 tat-8 ta’ Mejju 2018 mill-Ispeaker, l-Onor. Anġlu Farrugia.
______Raymond Scicluna Skrivan tal-Kamra
5th Summit of Speakers & 14th General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM)
28 - 29 April 2018 Cairo, Egypt
Hon Glenn Bedingfield, MP Hon Anton Refalo, MP Hon Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, MP
REPORT TO THE SPEAKER BY MEMBER/S OF PARLIAMENT PARTICIPATING IN CONFERENCE/MEETING ABROAD
1. TITLE OF CONFERENCE/MEETING: sm SUMMIT OF SPEAKERS AND 14m PLENARY SESSION OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE UNION FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN
2.DATE: 28-29 APRIL 2018
3.MEMBER: HON. GLENN BEDINGFIELD, HOD
HON. ANTON REFALO I HON. CARM MIFSUD BONNICI
.' 4. ITEM/S ON THE AGENDA:
Agenda attached with heading (A)
5. MEETING CONCLUSIONS, IF ANY: ,. The Summit of Speakers Declaration (attached with heading B). Resolution of the Committee for
Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights (attached with heading q "
6. INTERVENTIONS MADE BY MEMBER:
The Head of the Delegation, Hon. Glenn Bedingfield explained that Malta remains committed to its Mecliterranean vocation and continues to actively promote the role of parliamentarians through various
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 " meetings and initiatives. Hon. Bedingfield spoke on the number of international organizations present in Malta and highlighted that cooperation in similar fora such as the Union for the Mediterranean, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law provide the ideal viaduct for a fruitful exchange of ideas and best practices. Concluding, Hon. Bedingfield highlighted that the region needs a coordinated and inclusive approach that transforms the region from a boiling caldron of inequalities, differences and injustice, into a kaleidoscopic sea of cultures, economic opportunities and vibrant social interactions at people to people level
7. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS YOU FEEL SHOULD BE ATTACHED
NO
Hon. Glenn Bedingfield Date
f • / .·'I I I ' 11 vs I ol018
Hon. Anto Refalo Date
Hon. Carm Mifsud Bonnici Date sth Summit of Speakers and 14th Plenary session ofthe Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt 28-29 April 2018
Maltese Delegation:
Hon. Anglu Farrugia, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Glenn Bedingfield, Head of the PA-UfM delegation Hon. Anton Refalo, MP Hon. Carmela Mifsud Bonnici, MP HE. Charles Sultana, Malta's Ambassadorto Egypt Mr Giovanni Miceli, Adviser to the Speaker Ms Karen Mamo, Research Analyst
Saturday, 28 April 2018
S'h Summit of Speakers of the PA UfM I ·) • The S'h S~mmit of Speakers and the 14'h Plenary session took place in Cairo, Egypt and focused on counter-i~irorism in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
On 28 April 2018, Speakers of the Euro-Mediterranean countries participated in the s'h Summit of Speakers, and unanimously adopted the Speaker's Declaration on Counter terrorism in the Euro .. Medlterranean region.
Hon. Dr Ali Abdel Aal, Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives and President of the ~ ' Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean, welcomed all the participants to the S'h Summit of Speakers of Parliaments of the Union for the Mediterranean and delivered the opening address of the conference. Hon. Aal elaborated on the importance of multilateral cooperation in all areas between both sides of the Mediterranean. He then referred to irregular migration and its root causes, mainly wars, economic imbalance and human trafficking. He also mentioned the situation in Palestine and the non-implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions, adding that having peace •• in this region would greatly contribute to counter terrorism. He concluded by saying that Members of Parliament have the duty to revisit legislation and enhance the exchange of information to counter terrorism and promote peace in the region. ,,
Counsellor Omar Marwan, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, delivered a speech on behalf of the Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, HE Mr Sherif Ismail. He said that there can be no peace in the region without development, and no development without peace. He spoke about Egypt's ongoing economic and social transitions and concluded by saying that everyone should work together for tolerance and peace.
On behalf of HE Antonio Tajani, President of the European Parliament, MEP David-Maria Sassoli, Vice President of the European Parliament, said that the Mediterranean was passing through a difficult moment and that hate was taking the place of peace. He called for greater cooperation by all Mediterranean countries to come together against those who are sowing terrorism. He noted that Parliamentarians should put their energy at the service of their citizens. He referred to economic issues, leading to an increased number of migrants, and the importance to promote economic and social I' development while having full respect for human rights. He mentioned the situation in Syria, Iraq, Libya
1 ,. and the Occupied Territories, adding that Europe should do more to help find a peaceful and durable solution. He concluded by referring to the importance of development in Africa and also of giving increased attention to issues related to climate change.
Hon. Maria Ed era Spadoni, Vice-President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, who spoke on behalf of HE Roberto Fico, President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, said that the European response was not enough to address major issues such as migration, terrorism and political instability, which has led to an increased sense of insecurity. She highlighted the need for increased cooperation between all countries of the Euro-Mediterranean region to address holistically the ongoing challenges. She concluded by referring to exchanges at the cultural, economic and energy level as desirable practices to promote development and peace in the Mediterranean.
Hon. Ali Erkuscan, Member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, spoke on behalf of HE Ismail Kahraman, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. He elaborated on the present situation in Turkey and its role within the region. He said that Turkey has suffered from terrorism, adding that if Turkey were not stable, Europe would also be unstable. He referred to migration, saying that there were approximately 3.5 million Syrian refugees in Turkey. He referred to the agreement on migration reached between Turkey and the European Union and highlighted that Turkey was instrumental to reduce and manage the migration flow into Europe. He emphasised the need to identify the root causes of migration and to promote sustainable development in the Mediterranean region. He concluded by stating that Islam should not be associated with terrorism, which does not belong to any religion.
Following the speech by the Turkish representative, the floor was open for interventions by the Speakers of Parliaments and Heads of Delegations of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the M ed iterra nean.
Hon. Anglu Farrugia, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malta was the third speaker to take the floor after Austria and Cyprus. In his address, Speaker Farrugia welcomed the opportunity to reconvene and exchange ideas on ongoing challenges and opportunities in the shared Euro Mediterranean region. He said that this year's topic, Counter-Terrorism in the Euro-Mediterranean region, builds on the excellent discussions held during the 2017 Summit of Speakers and continues to strengthen the importance of dialogue and exchange of best practices at parliamentary level.
The Speaker explained that members of parliament hold a pivotal role to transpose laws, promote parliamentary diplomacy, and sustain close cooperation with their constituency. The transposition of internationally agreed protocols and inter-parliamentary dialogue are important parliamentary tools to ensure that national legislation is adequate and that the representatives of the people are equipped with the best knowledge on how to address the evolving terrorist threat. To this end, Speaker Farrugia welcomed developments within the European Union addressing money-laundering, cash entering and leaving the EU, and increased regulations on explosive precursors.
Speaker Farrugia mentioned the regional and international organisations that have a seat in Malta and congratulated them fortheir work in addressing terrorism from political, social, economic, and religious perspectives. In this regard, Speaker Farrugia welcomed the inter-parliamentary work of the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean. Furthermore, he announced that this summer, the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, also based in Malta, is launching its parliamentary dimension to further advocate the role of Parliamentarians to promote religious understanding, tolerance, and peace.
Upon concluding, Speaker Farrugia recognised that investment and quality education form the basis of resilient societies and that members of parliament hold the key to promote a better understanding of
2 the root causes of terrorism and sustain closer cooperation at a stakeholder, public, and parliamentary level.
Other Speakers intervened during the session and highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes leading to violent extremism and to strengthen cooperation at a police, institutional and governmental level. Furthermore, Speakers highlighted that inter-parliamentary cooperation is best positioned to ensure terrorism is addressed from a political, economic and social perspective. Young people and grass-root initiatives were identified as key components of successful and durable counter terrorism strategy. Speakers from the Southern shores of the Mediterranean called for increased cooperation and assistance to countries facing political and humanitarian crisis. Furthermore, Speakers reaffirmed the importance of bridging the North-South divide and of collectively working to create more just, inclusive and peaceful societies.
At the end of the interventions, the 5th Summit of Speakers of Parliaments of the Union for the Mediterranean unanimously approved a Statement on "Counter-Terrorism in the Euro-Mediterranean Region". This Statement included an amendment to paragraph 4 which was proposed by the Maltese Parliament. The original text read as follows:
"Encouraging member states to develop comprehensive national strategies for fighting terrorism and the extremism leading to terrorism while according priority to preventing, I combatting and confronting terrorists acts."
The text proposed by the Maltese Parliament read as follows:
"Encourage member states to develop comprehensive national strategies for the fight against .' terrorism and extremist ideology while according priority to preventing, detecting and countering terrorist threats and attacks."
The final and consolidated text adopted by the Summit reads as follows: !'
"Encourage member states of Union for Mediterranean to further develop comprehensive national strategies for the fight against terrorism and extremist ideology inciting violence and terrorism while according priority to preventing, detecting and countering terrorist threats and attacks." "
Sunday, 29 April 2018 ,, 14'h Plenary Session of the PA UfM
On 29 April 2018 members of the delegations attached to the PA-UfM participated in the Plenary Session focusing on counter-terrorism in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Numerous parliaments intervened during the Plenary Session and addressed the topic of terrorism from multiple perspectives and on the basis of various geo-political realities. The participation of countries from the North and countries from the South provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and affirm that terrorism is a shared ailment effecting each and every state.
The discussion emphasized that terrorism, due to its evolving and cross-border nature, requires constant cooperation, exchange of best practices and flexible approaches by all states. Members agreed that preventive tools to disrupt and dismantle terrorism, such as legislation against the financing ''' of terrorism and filtering of online propaganda, are important components of comprehensive counter-
3 terrorism strategies and mechanisms. Furthermore, members recognized that the destruction and trafficking of cultural heritage artefacts and sites constitute a grave reality and provide additional funding to terrorist groups.
Members from the Southern sphere, especially the delegations of Algeria and Turkey explained that their countries have been combatting terrorism before 9/11 or ISIS military advances. The delegations highlighted that they are eager to provide expertise to Europe and share best practices with regional partners. All members agreed that security and stability in one country is inexorably linked with stability and security in the rest of the region.
Going back to the importance of implementing holistic preventive tools, Members agreed on the importance of promoting good quality education matched with lucrative and stable job opportunities in countries of origin. To this end, project based investments targeting youths, marginalised groups and women could greatly contribute to counter terrorist propaganda and recruitment strategies. Women, especially mothers were identified as very important players to prevent, detect and counter extremism and violent actions. Members recognised that women should be involved much more in counter terrorism debates and encouraged to take a leading and proactive role against extremism and the svead of divisive ideology.
Whilst recognizing that counter-terrorism strategies necessitate a criminal and punitive approach, Members emphasized that full respect for human rights standards and respect for the rule of law is very important. Members recognised that parliamentarians hold the duty to ensure these two cardinal principles are respected and upheld across all sections of the social sphere. Therefore, they called for strong legislative frameworks to ensure all players operate within strict frameworks and appropriate oversight mechanisms.
Identifying poverty, inequality and social exclusion as important elements that facilitate the spread of extremist ideology, members of parliament recognised that states across the Euro-Mediterranean basin do not possess the same economic and infrastructural capabilities. The youth-bulge in the South and the lack of quality employment, as well as poor investment from the North, continue to create barriers and developmental hiccups for the region. Moreover, military activity and political instability in some states continue to provide the perfect ground for the spread of extremism and hate. Members recognised that cooperation and direct assistance from stable and prosperous countries would greatly contribute to provide a level playing field between states and limit possible legislative, infrastructural and political loopholes for terrorist groups.
Members underlined that a long-term plan, therefore including a strong preventive approach, is urgently needed to counter terrorism and build strong and resilient societies. Some members also highlighted that failed integration policies or unregulated migration flows could turn into a security threat. Countries already struggling on an economic and social front are faced with increased humanitarian challenges to accommodate and integrate migrants and refugees. Concluding, Members reaffirmed the importance of strengthening cooperation at all levels and ensuring that developing countries are provided with the necessary assistance and investment to be resilient against extremist ideology and fully participate in counter-terrorism strategies. Furthermore, they are provided with appropriate incentives to proactively act for the well-being and peaceful development of the region.
Intervening during the meeting, Hon. Glenn Bedingfield, Head of the Maltese Delegation, explained that Malta remains committed to its Mediterranean vocation and continues to actively promote the role of parliamentarians through various meetings and initiatives. Han. Bedingfield referred to the number of international organizations present in Malta and highlighted that cooperation in similar fora such as the Union for the Mediterranean, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and the
4 International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law provide the ideal viaduct for a fruitful exchange of ideas and best practices. Hon. Bedingfield noted that as legislators it is imperative for them to ensure that domestic legislation is in tune with international protocols and is well-positioned to detect, prevent and counter terrorism within a human rights and rule of law framework. On this note, Hon. Bedingfield highlighted that Malta remains committed to maintaining a strong legal framework that secures national interests, but is also instrumental in promoting and facilitating the exchange of intelligence and information with regional partners. The Passenger Name Record Directive, currently being debated in the House of Representatives, is in fact a clear example of a cooperative detection tool to counter terrorism. Hon. Bedingfield spoke on the role of parliamentary diplomacy to address counter-terrorism and highlighted that members of parliament are instrumental in exchanging best practices and ideas how to ensure regional security without negatively impinging on fundamental human rights and freedoms. Respect for the rule of law and human rights standards should be held at the forefront of every debate and proposed legislative framework. Concluding, Hon. Bedingfield highlighted that the region needs a coordinated and inclusive approach that transforms the region from a boiling cauldron of inequalities, differences and injustice, into a kaleidoscopic sea of cultures, economic opportunities and vibrant social interactions at people to people level.
In addition to the above debates:
• The European Parliament took over the Presidency of the PA-UfM from Egypt; the intention of ! the EP is to focus on migration and intends to give a new impetus to parliamentary diplomacy. • The Plenary adopted the proposal by the Working Group on Rules and Financing to amend Article 15 of the Rules of Procedure and to remove the date for the establishment of a seat for the PA-UfM (during the 2017 Rome Plenary this date was set for January 2018). • There was no further discussion on the permanent seat of the Assembly. .' • The Plenary also authorized a new call for financial contributions from participating parliaments. • Proposed fact-finding missions to Barcelona, Israel and Palestine were also implicitly authorized. ''
The Plenary adopted also the resolutions of the Political, Economic, Culture and Women's Committees. The Environment Committee did not adopt a resolution as there was no text proposed. The Committee agreed to set up a select working group to better discussion the working operations of the Committee. Hon. Glenn Bedingfield participated in the Committee for Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights '' and Hon. Carm Mifsud Bonnie/ participated in the Committee on Energy, Environment and Water. Hon. Anton Refalo covered the Committee on Improving Quality of Life, Exchanges between CivH Society ' organizations and Culture. .
Bilateral meeting between the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Angelo Farrugia and Speaker of the Egyptian Parliament, Hon. Dr Ali Abdel Aal
1 On the margins of the 14 h Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean, the Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives, Hon. Dr Ali Abdel Aal, requested a bilateral meeting with the Speaker of the Maltese Parliament, Hon. Anglu Farrugia.
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5 During the meeting, the two Speakers agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation between the two parliaments at a bilateral and multilateral level. The two sides agreed to set up a Joint Parliamentary Friendship Group as well as to exchange high-level visits.
Hon. Farrugia said that Egypt is an important player in Europe and the Mediterranean and emphasised that stability in the region is intrinsically linked with stability in Egypt.
Speaker Farrugia was accompanied by Hon. Glenn Bedingfield, Head of the Maltese delegation to the PA UFM, Hon. Anton Refalo and Hon. Carmela Mifsud Bonnici, members of the delegation of the Maltese Parliament to the PA UfM, HE Giovanni Miceli, Advisor to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Ms Karen Mamo, Research Analyst.
Report by Ms Karen Mamo Research Analyst, Parliament of Malta 4 May 2018
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Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean 5th Summit of Speakers of Parliaments 1 The 14 h Plenary Session Cairo Egyptian House of Representatives Saturday and Sunday 28- 29 April2018
Draft timetable
I
09:00-09:30 " Opening address by Dr. Ali Abdel Aai, Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives and the President of the PA-U:fM ~· '" Speech of lvlr. Sherif Ismail, Prime Minister of Egypt, to be delivered on his behalf by Counselor Omar Marwan, Minister of State for Affairs. e Speech by Mr. David-Maria Sassoli, Vice President of the ean Parliament " Speech by Ms. Maria Edera Spadoni, Vice President of the Italian Chamber of r•~-~""'' '. " Speech by Mr. Ali Erkuscan, Member of the Grand l'·Tational 09:30-13:00 of Countering Terrorism in the Euto- Mediterranean Region - Interventions of speakers of parliaments and heads of delegations ofthe PA-UfiVl Adoption of the declaration of the 5th Summit of Speakers of Parliaments A 13:30 I'
'Interpretation Lm1guages: English- French·· Spanish- ltaliait·· Turkish- Hebrew- Arabic- Portuguese
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Plenary Session on "Countering Terrorism in Euro-Mediterranean Reg.ion" Egyptian House of Representatives- Main Hall10 09:30 Registration of participating delegations 10:00-10:30 · A group photo for all participants in the Conference Opening of the session
Adoption of the agenda I Adoption of the minutes of the 13th plenary session held in Italy i on 12- 13 May 2017
10:30-12:30 Discussion i 12:30-13:00 Break 13:00-13:15 Presentation on the UfM activities ,, I 13:15-14:30 Studying draft recommendations presented by committees and working groups: Speeches by chairpersons of the committees and working groups Adoption of recommendations of the COliLmittees and working
groups t " 14:30-15:00 Closure of the session: ! I Handing over the Presidency, ! Speech by Mr, David-Maria Sassoli, Vice President of the I European Parliament
10 Interpretation Languages: English- French- - Spanish- Italian- Turkish- Hebrew· Arabic· Portuguese 3/l PA-~fM @ ,, AVA \J AP-UpM ogyptian House of Representatives -Presidency of the PA-UfM Parliamentary Assembly- Union for the Mediterranean :hambre des Representants d'Egypte- Presidence de I'AP-UpM Assembiee Pariementaire- Union Pour Ia Mediterranee .b._,:;..JI J..l ()" J~ l.;>'W.)ill ~il...U.;- «~I yi_.Jll ~
Draft Statement The Fifth .Summit of Speakers of the Parliaments of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean Cairo 28April2018 "Counter-Tervorism in the Euro-Mediterranean Region"
We, the Speakers of the Parliaments of the countries of the Union for the · Mediterranean, meeting in the Fifth Summit of Speakers of the Parliaments of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean in Cairo on 28 April 2018 in order to discuss the topic t "Counter-Terrorism in the Euro-Mediterranean Region", agreed on: 1) The necessity to face the tremendous threats resulting from The escalation of terrorism and the extremism leading to terrorism in the Euro-Mediterranean region since this growing phenomenon is still causing death, destruction and instability in the countries and regions all over the world where terrorist and criminal groups are active; '. 2) The importance of promoting cooperation between the parliaments of the members of the Union for the Mediterranean in combating terrorism and the extremism leading to terrorism in order to exchange expertise and best practices; .' 3) The need for a comprehensive approach for fighting terrorism and the extremism leading to terrorism through defeating terrorism and addressing its different causes within a framework that respects the " rule of law and human rights in line with fundamental rights and freedoms; 4) Encourage member states of Union for Mediterranean to further develop comprehensive national strategies for the fight against terrorism and extremist ideology inciting violence and terrorism while according priority to preventing, detecting and countering terrorist threats and attacks.; 5) Strong condenmation of all terrorist acts and incitement to commit terrorist acts, irrespective of motive, wherever and by whomever ''
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committed, and stressing that terrorism cannot be associated with any particular religion, culture or civilization; 6) Strong condemnation of any extremist ideology instigating hatred violence, racism and terrorism and highlighting its principal role in encouraging and committing terrorists acts; 7) The importance of enhancing cooperation to address the phenomenon of the so-called foreign terrorist fighters who travel to conflict zones for terrorist purposes then return to their countries of origin or move on to other countries, where they continue to · constitute a security threat, through fostering national legislation as ,, well as police and judicial cooperation, including in the field of border protection, between the countries of the Union for the Mediterranean; 8) Affirming the importance of strengthening legislations needed to ~ ' control terrorism financing and money laundering and to prevent terrorist organizations . from obtaining their sources of funding through criminal activities such as organized crime, smuggling and ransom payment! 9) Stressing the need to bolster coordination and cooperation among all members of the Union for the Mediterranean to exchange information and expertise in the field of counter-terrorism and " extremism leading to terrorism\ 10) Emphasizing the importance of preventing the misuse of information and communication technologies by terrorists and terrorist's organizations, whether in raising funds and donations, promoting their extremist ideology inciting violence and terrorism, and in encouraging, motivating, and recruiting others to commit terrorist acts. We also emphasize the need to maximize the use of internet social media to effectively · cmmter the narratives that terrorist organizations and associated individuals, groups, and entities use to encourage, motivate, and recruit others to commit terrorist acts, while promoting peace, mutual respect, fundamental human rights, " enhanced dialogue and broadened understanding among societies.\
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11) Calling for the promotion of cultural and educational cooperation and dialogue among religions and civilizations between the two shores of the Mediterranean, with a view to consolidating the concepts of respect for the other and cultural diversity, especially among young people! 12) Advocating the involvement of various actors in the fight against terrorism and extremism leading to terrorism such as clerics, education and culture bodies, relevant civil society institutions, the media, Internet service providers, youth, women and others to ensure the implementation of a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism I and extremism leading to terrorism in all its aspects! 13) Expressing solidarity with the victims of terrorism and the importance of giving priority to defending their rights and ensuring their welfare! '' 14) Focusing on the importance of international and regional initiatives, forums and dialogues for cooperation, fostering security, stability and interreligious dialogue" and peaceful coexistence in the Emu- Mediterranean region in the fight against terrorism based on a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism, which will play an important role in promoting a positive agenda, bringing views " together and working towards finding common solutions among UfM various states"! " 15) Requesting the UFM Secretariat and senior officials to continue studying the joint projects and initiatives that could contribute to enhancing joint cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism leading to terrorism.
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3 .. PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY- UNION FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN
PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE UNION FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN
Committee on Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights
28.4.2018 I !
RECOMMENDATION ,,
on the role of the Mediterranean parliaments in combating terrorism and r· preventing violent extremism '
Committee on Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights
"
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DE\1146667EN.docx AP102.235v01-00 EN E~ I , Recommendation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean on the role of the Mediterranean parliaments in combating terrorism and preventing violent extremism
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean,
1. Considers terrorism to pose a common threat to peace and security, social cohesion, democracy, the rule of law and human rights, and to the safety of the citizens and of all those residing in the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) member states, and stresses that this requires resolute and coordinated action by states and intemational actors to prevent and combat this phenomenon, with full respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed in international law, in pmticular in international human rights law, refugee law and intemational humanitarian law;
2. Affirms that tenorism, in all its forms and manifestations, constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivations, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed, and remains determined to contribute further to enhancing the effectiveness of the overall effort to fight this scourge on a global level;
3. Notes that the tenorist threat not only has a direct impact on the security of citizens of the countries targeted by tenorist attacks, but also upsets the economic and social balance in the countries concemed; 4. Believes that in order to combat tenorism effectively, the UfM member states must reach a common and precise definition of what qualifies a terrorist act, rising above political nuances, national context and foreign policy priorities and not associating it with particular religions, cultures or movements; 5. Emphasises that regional crises, foreign occupation, political chaos, the lack of democratic freedoms, social inequality and exclusion, human rights violations, the lack of oppmtunities - both educational and professional - and widespread poverty could undermine the resilience of societies in combating tenorism and facilitate the spread of extremist ideologies, the recruitment of young people by extremist and terrorist organisations and, consequently, be among the root causes of violent extremism and acts of tenorism; 6. Reaffirms its unequivocal condemnation of all acts, methods and practices of tenorism and violent extremism conducive to tenorism, as well as the glorification of the perpetrators of tenorist acts; 7. Believes that a purely security-based approach to the fight against terrorism is counter productive; notes, in this regard, that human lights violations resulting from counter terrorism measures fuel the recruitment effmts of violent extremists; stresses, therefore, that any effective counter-tenorism strategy should be consistent with the protection of human rights; 8. Believes that, in order to combat terrorism effectively, a coordinated response and monitoring strategy, as well as a prevention strategy, are needed ilmnediately, and that it is also essential to develop, without delay, a broad long-term plan to tackle its deep seated causes through the promotion of hmmonious socio-economic development,
API 02.235v0 1-00 2/6 DE\1146667EN.docx EN youth-tailored strategies and investment in education and vocational training, as well as institution building, in particular, in the judicial system; 9. Expresses its concern about the nmmalisation of exceptional national security and emergency powers within ordinary legal systems in a number of UfM member states; notes that such developments risk, among other things, undermining the vibrancy of civil society and legitimate political dissent, as well as negatively affecting the rights of vulnerable and minority groups; I 0. Points out that the terrorist tln·eat has increased and rapidly evolved in recent years in connection with cross-border criminal networks, trafficking in human beings, drugs and weapons, and that, over the past years, major humanitarian crises and military conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa region have created a security vacuum and a breeding ground for the te!Torist recruitment of young people; points out that individuals referred to as 'foreign terrorist fighters' travel abroad for the purpose of te!Torism, and on returning to their home countries constitute a heightened security threat to all the UfM member states; stresses the need to detect returning foreign terrorist fighters and the need to create and implement tailor-made rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for those who cannot be prosecuted, thus addressing the root causes of foreign terrorist fighters' alienation, recruitment and departure, as well as reducing any further threat posed by violent extremism; I I II. Expresses solidarity with the victims of te!Torism and considers that priority should be accorded to upholding their rights and to actions aimed at ensuring their protection and recognition; 12. Urges the UfM member states to strengthen judicial and police cooperation and the i i exchange of data and infmmation in the field of combating te!Torism, while respecting and upholding basic principles of human rights and the rule of law; calls for the establislnnent of appropriate training for police officers in the field of fundamental rights, and thus promoting a converging security and judicial culture; requests to be .. informed immediately on the effectiveness of cun·ent tools and on proposals aimed at stepping up cooperation between the UfM member states; 13. Urges the UfM member states to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the existing counter-te!Torism and secmity measures, in particular, as regards their respect for human rights and civil liberties, as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of " the European Union and the Arab Charter on Human Rights; reiterates its fim1 demand for democratic and judicial oversight and accountability mechanisms as regards counter-te!Torism policies; stresses, furthermore, that violations of fundamental rights need to be investigated and rem·essed and that new fmms of democratic scrutiny to be r· exercised by the Mediterranean parliaments need to be developed; calls on the authorities of the UfM member states to respect the prohibition of torture as it is most notably enshrined in the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatulent or Punislnnent, which most of them have signed and ratified; 14. Calls on the goverrunents of the UfM member states to continue their efforts to prevent and combat extremist ideology and incitement to violence, terrorism and extremism leading to te!Torism by coordinating their action, sharing information and good practices and implementing these policies according to their own needs, objectives and capacities, on the strength of their own experience; believes that the UfM should, where appropriate, support the national, regional and local authmities in ! DE\1146667EN.docx 3/6 API02.235v01-00 ~ ' EN \ developing joint prevention policies targeting, in particular, young people and the most underprivileged sectors of society, acknowledging, in particular, the importance of women's role and inclusion in the prevention of violent extremism leading to tetTOrist acts; underlines the fact that discrimination reinforces patterns of violence and extremism; stresses that equality and non-discrimination standards must be complemented by specific policy strategies to address all forms of racism, including Islamophobia; 15. Notes that violent extremism is not to be associated with any one ideology or faith but may occur within any of them; stresses that the exchange of best practices among the UfM Member States is essential in order to counter the increase of terrorist radicalisation in plisons; notes that the Mediterranean parliaments could also share best practices on the implementation of youth awareness progrannnes concerning online hate speech and the risks that it represents, as well as promoting powerful and attractive nanatives to counter hate speech and violent extremism online, and work closely with civil society organisations for the purposes of reinforcing the channels for distributing and promoting democratic and non-violent discourse; 16. Considers that any strategy for combating tenorism requires enhanced parliamentary oversight from UfM parliaments, with adequate means and serious powers to cany out investigations and make binding decisions; feels, in addition, that parliaments should be fully and regularly involved in establishing and implementing measures for preventing and combating tenorism and able to verify the actual effectiveness of the measures adopted, including as regards their impact on hwnan rights and fundamental freedoms, the achievement of objectives and the real cost of the initiatives taken; 17. Considers that, in order to increase the effectiveness of the fight against tetrorism, the UfM member states should put in place a permanent network for exchange of information and best practices between anti-tenorist partner centres in the Meditenanean countries; welcomes, in this respect, the recent launch of negotiations with several Mediterranean countries aimed at ensuring a regular exchange of data between Europa! and the national authorities in those countries in the field of combating tenolism and organised crime; calls on the UfM member states, in the framework of their counter-terrorism cooperation, to focus their efforts on police and judicial cooperation in order to enhance synergies in the region in the fight against financing of terrorism; 18. Considers that combating the trafficking of weapons should be a priority for the Meclitenanean countries in fighting serious and organised international crime; believes, in patticular, that cooperation needs to be strengthened fmther as regards information exchange mechanisms and the traceability and clestmction of prohibited weapons; 19. Calls on the UfM member states to improve the monitoring of suspicious financial movements, with clue regm·cl for the principle of proportionality and respect for privacy, since tenmist organisations have also begun to explore and make use of crypto-cunencies, points out the need to adopt all necessm·y measures to ensure constant monitoring regarding this new fmancial tool; 20. Unclettakes to ensure the bolstering of national legislation in the field of money laundering, targeting in particular and curbing sources of tetrorism financing and all forms of promoting tenorism as well as the criminalisation of the payment of ransoms;
AP102.235v01-00 4/6 DE\1146667EN.docx EN ., points out that international cooperation in this field should also focus more closely on strengthening financial control systems and public administrations in the UfM member states so as to enable them to participate more effectively in combating financial crime and illicit activities connected with terrorism; calls for steps to be taken to improve the exchange of data and information with partner countries with the aim of detecting terrorist activities and other illegal activities; calls on UfM member states to cooperate with the countries at risk of becoming sanctuaries for terrorist groups, as well as with companies operating there, in order to reduce and eliminate any possibility of the payment of ransoms and to protect their personnel; 21. Encourages the exchange of good practices and greater police cooperation in order to better combat trafficking in cultural propetty and to better coordinate actions between UfM member states; calls, furthermore, on UfM member states to strengthen their cooperation with international organisations, such as the United Nations, UNESCO, Interpol, the World Customs Organisation and the International Council of Museums, in order to step up the fight against the illicit trafficking in cultural prope1ty as a means of financing terrorism; 22. Points out that, since terrorism is a global crime, the effective response to it must also be a global and holistic one, with coordination between financial institutions, law enforcement agencies and judicial bodies and exchange of relevant information on I natural and legal persons and suspicious activity being absolutely vital, bearing in mind that the protection of personal data and respect for privacy are important fundamental rights; stresses that the key element of the fight against terrorism is to cut off its sources of financing, including through the hidden circuits of fraud and tax evasion, money laundering and tax havens; I' 23. Stresses that closer cooperation in the field of culture and inter religious dialogue, including with a view to preventing the destruction of places of worship and allowing free access to their followers, as well as spreading the values of tolerance and moderation, can help bring together the countries on either side of the Meditenanean '' and create a strong barrier to the rise of discrimination and, in pa1ticular, racial discrimination, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, Christianophobia, and the incitement to violence and terrorism while promoting sustainable socio-economic and human development thmughout the Meditenanean; 24. Recalls the urgent need to improve young people's social integration and " employability, as these are the major challenges facing the region and are vehicles for stabilisation, prosperity and security; recalls, furthermore, that today's problems relating to the employability of young people in both the southern and northern Mediterranean are of the same nature and require responses that are jointly formulated in the framework of an efficient multilateral cooperation body such as the UfM; 25. Recalls the imp01tant role of education and schools in the prevention of violent extremism; calls on UfM member states to guarantee the right to a quality education that is open and accessible to all, especially girls, in order to promote critical thinking, values of tolerance, respect for others and non-discrimination; 26. Points out that extremism leading to terrorism is not a new phenomenon; notes, however, that its most recent manifestations, its scale and the use of new communication tools have bred new problems which require that an approach be taken that encompasses the immediate risks that the violent extremism poses to security and
DE\1146667EN.docx 5/6 AP102.235v01-00 I ' EN .' ~ the deep seated causes of that extremism, and which b1ings together all the social groups and actors concerned by this phenomenon; urges the UfM member states to take measures to tackle online violent extremism in cooperation with the internet industry and social media networks; 27. Calls on the UfM member states and the European Union to introduce effective measures to combat the dissemination on the internet, social networks and television channels of content that incites to and promotes terrorism, while ensuring full respect for the freedom of expression; calls for the establishment of adequate procedural safeguards and oversight of interception and surveillance by state authorities in order to ensure that fundamental rights and freedoms, including respect for private life, are ensured; considers it essential, moreover, that urgent steps be taken to protect the victims of such hate propaganda; 28. Emphasises the need to ensure that in the use of remotely piloted aircraft in counter tenorism operations, states comply with their obligations under international law, including human 1ights law and international humanitarian law; insists, in this regard, on the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability in this process; 29. Calls on the Mediterranean parliaments to address violent extremism on the internet, in particular by working on incentives and legislative measmes to promote the presence of alternative discourses aimed at countering extremist discourses on the internet; recalls that measures to combat violent extremism on the internet must respect fundamental freedoms in order to be truly effective; 30. Stresses that economic and demographic challenges are long-term problems for a significant number of southem Meditenanean countries, and that they have short-term implications, such as violent extremism, both in the southem and northem Meditenanean; calls, theretore, on the Mediterranean parliaments to commit themselves to pursuing sustainable economic development that provides employment; 31. Undertakes to draft a set of recommendations aimed at better coordinating efforts to combat terrorism and extremism leading to terrorism in all the UfM member states; is convinced that the root causes of violent extremism should be addressed by UfM member states while remaining in full respect of human rights and international law.
AP102.235v01-00 6/6 DE\1146667EN.docx EN PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER Page 1 of 1
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The S'h Summit of Speakers of Parliaments of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean has approved, unanimously, the attached statement on Counter-Terrorism in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
The statement includes an amendment to paragraph 4 which was submitted by the Maltese Parliament.
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https://www.gov .mt/en/Government/Press%20Releases/Pages/20 18/April/28/pr 18093... 03/05/2018 (i' ' D!PARTIMENT TAL-INFORMAZZJONI DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION MALTA
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PR180933 28.04.2018
PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER
Speaker Anglu Farrugia attends the 5"' Summit of Speakers ofParliaments of the Union for the llfediterranean
Speaker Anglu Fam1gia participated in the 5th Summit of Speakers of Parliaments of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM) in Cairo, under the 2018 Egyptian Presidency ofPA-UfM.
The 5th Summit of Speakers of Parliaments of the UfM was opened by Dr Ali Abdel Aal, Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives and President of the PA -UfM. Speeches were then delivered i on behalf of Sherif Ismail, Prime Minister of Egypt, Antonio Tajani, President of the European Parliament, Roberto Fico, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Republic, and Dr Ismail Kahraman, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.
In his address, Speaker Farrugia welcomed the opportunity to reconvene and exchange ideas on ,' ongoing challenges and opportunities in the shared Euro-Mediterranean region. He said that this year's topic, Counter-Terrorism in the Euro-Mediterranean region, builds on the excellent discussions held during the 2017 Smnmit of Speakers and continues to strengthen the importance of dialogue and exchange of best practices at parliamentary level.
The Speaker explained that members of parliament hold a pivotal role to transpose laws, promote parliamentary diplomacy, and sustain close cooperation with their constituency. The transposition of internationally agreed protocols and inter-parliamentary dialogue are important parliamentary tools to ensure that national legislation is adequate and the representatives of the people are equipped with ' the best knowledge how to address the evolving terrorist threat To this end, Speaker Farrugia . welcomed developments within the European Union addressing money-laundering, cash entering and leaving the EU, and increased regulations on explosive precursors. .. Speaker Farmgia spoke about the regional and international organisations that have a seat in Malta and congratulated them for their work in addressing terrorism from political, social, economic, and religious perspectives. In this regard, Speaker Fam1gia welcomed the inter-parliamentary work ofthe International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean. Fmihermore, he announced that this summer, the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, also based in Malta, is launching its parliamentary dimension to ftuiher advocate the role of Parliamentarians to promote religious understanding, tolerance, and peace.
Upon concluding, Speaker Farrugia recognised that investment and quality education form the basis of resilient societies and that members of parliament hold the key to promote a better understanding
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3, CASTILLE PLACE, VALLETTA VLT 2000 Tel +(356) 2200 1700 Fax +(356) 22001775 [email protected] www.doi.gov.mt " DIPARTIMENT TAL· INFORMAZZJ ON! DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION MALTA
PR180941 29.04.2018
PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER
Speaker Farrugia in a bilateral meeting with Egyptian Speaker
Speaker Anglu Farrugia, who is participating in the P A UfM conference being held in Cairo, had a bilateral meeting with the Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives Ali Abdel Aal.
The two dignitaries reiterated the strong and cordial relations between the two countries and the respective parliaments. They discussed the setting up of a parliamentary friendship group as well as exchanging high-level visits. t·
Speaker Fam1gia was accompanied by MPs Glenn Bedingfield, Anton Refalo and Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, Malta's representatives to the PA UfM. Also present were Charles Sultana, Malta's Ambassador to Egypt, and Giovanni Miceli and Karen Mamo from the House of Representatives. '.
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3, CASTILLE PLACE, VALLETTA VLT 2000 Tel +[356) 2200 1700 Fax +(356) 2200 1775 [email protected] www.doi.gov.mt " Mamo Karen at Parlament-MT
From: Scerri Eleanor at Parlament-MT Sent: Wednesday, 02 May 2018 14:30 To: Paris Josanne at Parlament-MT; Terri bile Emma at Parlament-MT; Mamo Karen at Parlament-MT; Bajada ian Paul at Parlament-MT; Vella Andre at Parlament-MT; Vassallo Jeannine at Parlament-MT; De Martino Mark at Parlament-MT Subject: FW: DOl - Press Release (PR180961) ___Attachments: ______E'B.l&0_9_61.!ldf
From: Press Releases at OPM Sent: 02 May 2018 14:29:11 (UTC+01:00) Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna Subject: DOI- Press Release (PR180961)
PR180961
PRESS RELEASE BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Member of Parliament Glenn Bedingfield addresses the 141h Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean
On 29 April2018, Head of Delegation of the Maltese Parliament to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union I for the Mediterranean (P A UfM), MP Glenn Bedingfield, addressed members of Parliament participating in the 14111 Plenary Session of the PA UfM. The Plenary Session addressed the topic of counter terrorism in the Bum-Mediterranean region. I .' Mr Bedingfield explained that Malta remains committed to its Mediterranean vocation and continues to actively promote the role of parliamentarians through various meetings and initiatives. He spoke on the number of international organizations present in Malta and highlighted that cooperation in similar fora such i' as the Union for the Mediterranean, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law provide the ideal viaduct for a fruitful exchange of ideas and best practices.
He noted that as legislators it is imperative to ensure that domestic legislation is in tune with international ,, protocols and is well positioned to detect, prevent and counter terrorism within a human rights and mle oflaw framework. On this note, Mr Bedingfield highlighted that Malta remains committed to maintain a strong legal framework that secures national interests, but is also instnnnental to promote and facilitate the exchange of intelligence and infonnation with regional partners. The Passenger Name Record Directive, currently being '' debated in the House of Representatives, is in fact a clear example of a cooperative detection tool to counter terrorism.
Mr Bedingfield spoke on the role of parliamentary diplomacy to address counter terrorism and highlighted that Members of Parliament are instmmental to exchange best practices and ideas how to ensure regional security without negatively impinging on fundamental human rights and freedoms. Respect for the Ru]e of Law and Human Rights standards should be held at the forefront of every debate and proposed legislative framework.
Concluding, he highlighted that the region needs a coordinated and inclusive approach that transforn1s the region from a boiling caldron of inequalities, differences and injustice, into a kaleidoscopic sea of cultures, economic opportunities and vibrant social interactions at people to people level. ' '
The Parliamentary Assembly - Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is an inter-parliamentary organisation bringing together the parliaments of the 28 European Union member states and of 15 countries from t~
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