John Bruton
Question:196 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the application of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Armenia, Azarbaijan and Monaco to join the Council of Europe. [17372/99]
Written Answers. - Council of Europe Membership Applications.
Enlargement of the Council of Europe based on democratic institutions and human rights is an essential element in the reconstruction of Europe. In April this year Georgia was admitted as the 41st member state. Ireland would welcome the further enlargement of the council in order to achieve the goal of an inclusive democratic Europe. While enlargement should be inclusive, it should not be unconditional. Ireland hopes that the remaining applicant countries will bring their institutions and legislation into line with the requirements of the Council of Europe and resolve any conflicts between them so that they may be able to join at the earliest opportunity.
The procedure for accession of new members to the Council of Europe involves the transmission of applications by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to the parliamentary assembly for an opinion. That procedure has been completed in the cases of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Monaco and special rapporteurs have been appointed by the assembly in each case. With the exception of Monaco, these states have requested and been granted special guest status with the parliamentary assembly which is an initial step towards accession. The assembly will in due course bring forward a recommendation to the committee of Ministers on the accession of each, including any specific measures to be taken by the state concerned to bring its institutions and practice into conformity with Council of Europe standards. At that point, a decision will be taken by the committee of Ministers.
During Ireland's forthcoming Presidency of the Council of Europe from November this year, we will be seeking to advance this process. In light of the particular circumstances which prevail in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we will encourage the Council of Europe to step up its support in the form of co-operation and assistance programmes. In the case of Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Council of Europe must also continue to assist the development and consolidation of democratic institutions in both countries. However, progress is clearly required by both these states in resolving outstanding issues between them, particularly the question of Nagorno Karabakh. The assembly recently commenced work on the application by Monaco and we are following that closely.