MALTESE DELEGATION TO ATTEND COUNCIL OF EUROPE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY IN STRASBOURG

A parliamentary delegation led by the Hon John Vella, MP and comprising the Hon Michael Asciak, MP and the Hon Joe Debono Grech, MP, will be attending the 1^st Part of the 2001 Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, to be held in Strasbourg, between the 22^nd and 26^th January 2001.

This session will be addressed by Mrs Vaira Vike Freiberga, President of Latvia, and Mrs Tarja Halonen, President of Finland.

Amongst the subjects for discussion are:

• transit migration in central and eastern Europe;

• the recent developments in Yugoslavia;

• debate on the reports on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Latvia and Turkey;

• the Euro and Greater Europe;

• implementing the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe: economic and technological aspects;

• improving the social status and role of volunteers as a contribution by the Assembly to the International Year of Volunteers;

• situation in the Chechen Republic;

• participation of immigrants and foreign residents in political life in Council of Europe member states; and

• responsibilities of parents and teachers in children's education; and

• cooperation in the Mediterranean and Black Sea basins.