The proceedings of the International Conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE CSCE) began today at the Filoxenia Conference Centre, on the theme: "Fighting Corruption, Defending Democracy: The Role of National Parliaments". The Conference is hosted by the House of Representatives, at the initiative of the Vice-President of the CoR.
At the opening of the Conference, the President of the House of Representatives, Ms. Anita Demetriou, the President of the C.S., Ms. Irene Charalambidou, addressed the Conference. Ms Margareta Cederfelt, the OSCE Chairperson, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Ioannis Kasoulides, the Vice-President of the C.A.C. Ms. Irene Charalambidou, OSCE Chairperson and Special Representative for Combating Corruption, Ambassador Artur Dmochowski, Special Envoy of the current Polish Chairmanship of the OSCE, and the Secretary General of the CSC. In her address, Ms Demetriou stressed that parliaments must listen to citizens' concerns and, within the framework of their responsibilities as legislators and by exercising effective parliamentary control, strengthen their efforts to prevent and combat corruption (see separate communiqué).
The President of the OSCE CS Ms Cederfelt underlined the importance that the Assembly, through its Special Representative, attaches to strengthening exchanges and cooperation with relevant international organisations to share expertise and best practices and transfer them to national parliaments in order to enhance their role in preventing and fighting corruption.
Mr. Kasoulides underlined the importance of multilateralism and international cooperation to address the threat posed by corruption as an integral part of collective action to regain citizens' trust in institutions.
Ms. Charalambidou stressed that the existence of political will is key in the fight against corruption and underlined that politicians and parliamentarians in particular can and must bring about change, in cooperation with specialized competent bodies and international organizations.
The Special Envoy of the current Polish OSCE Chairmanship, Ambassador Artur Dmochowski noted the achievements of the OSCE in the field of anti-corruption. He noted in particular the serious damage that corruption inflicts on the mechanisms for protecting and guaranteeing human rights.
Finally, the Secretary General of the OSCE PA, Mr Montella, welcomed the creation of a network between the Assembly and other international organisations involved in the fight against corruption, which, as he pointed out, highlights the essential role of parliaments in this area. At the same time, Mr Montella noted, it strengthens the role of national parliaments in the fight against corruption for the benefit of citizens.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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