Spanish parliamentarian Jesus Lopes-Medel reported on implementation of OSCE commitments.
He appealed to the representatives of PA OSCE to develop a joint action plan in this sphere. The strengthening of safety is a task that requires considerable effort but the presenter also said that it should be remembered that "Not everything is allowed and acceptable in fighting terrorism or any other phenomenon that threatens safety".
According to him, one of the main achievements of developed democracies is that government agencies are to act not only in accordance with national legislation and international conventions but also with the democratic values that underline them.
Jesus Lopes-Medel focused on issues like freedom of speech, press and information since he believes that "these freedoms are reliable indicators of social democratization". He said that by this time, in some European states "one can encounter instances of restriction of freedom of press sometimes initiated by state authorities most often these are cases of criticism of their actions". He also emphasized that "there is a need to guarantee the activities of a free and independent media and opportunities for professional journalists to enjoy this freedom without fear of losing their jobs. The Spanish MP appealed to the meeting´s participants to step up work in enhance the transparency of the activities of governments organizations and take decisive measures to fight any instances of corruption in the political and social spheres. To this end, in his opinion, "parliaments are to introduce respective provisions into their legislations and, if necessary, to support legal investigations and improve already existing laws, reform and develop their judicial systems, law and order".
Jesus Lopes-Medel also believes it is important to solve the problem of stepping up the fight against human trafficking "since this form of exploitation, whose victims are often women and children, still exists in the world". Transnational cooperation is to become one of the main mechanisms in this fight. He also spoke about protecting national minorities, religious freedom, assistance for refugees and fighting poverty.
In the part of his remarks that dealt with observing elections, the Committee member restated the requirement, according to which elections held in OSCE member states are to "conform completely to the criteria for democratic elections". This will ensure not only progress at national level but also facilitate safety and expand international cooperation.