The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean Secretary General, Amb. Sergio Piazzi, recently recalled PAM’s clear statutory position in connection with military interventions in a foreign country, in that it has to be subject to a mandate by the Security Council of the United Nations.
Dr. Piazzi was addressing the “Regional Conference on the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspect of Security for the Mediterranean”, held in Malta on 11-12 September 2013.
In his intervention, PAM Secretary General added that operations conducted by regional organizations are as well to be authorized by the UN Security Council, in order to ensure the legitimacy of international actions, in accordance with the provisions of the UN Charter. He underlined that, for parliamentarians, this is a key responsibility tied to their function for the democratic control of armed forces and as keepers of international law.
Furthermore, Amb. Piazzi stressed the importance of ensuring coordination between the activities carried out by international and regional organizations dealing with the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), for which reason, the Code of Conduct goes along with the general development of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFAs) and Rules of Engagement (ROEs), as being continuously updated by organizations such as the UN or NATO.
On the DCAF, Amb. Piazzi stated that the topic will be proposed for the agenda of the next meeting of the 5+5 Dialogue parliamentary dimension, which is serviced by PAM, as well as for future discussion within the PAM 1st Standing Committee on Political and Security.
PAM Secretary General emphasized also the strategic importance of PAM’s cooperation with OSCE and its Parliamentary Assembly, recalling the exemplary collaboration on the constitutional reform process in the BiH.
During his intervention, Amb. Piazzi also recalled the Conference on Security and Cooperation in the Mediterranean (CSCM), which is the precursor of PAM. “In light of the latest developments in the region, PAM President, Sen. Francesco Maria Amoruso is considering to convene the V CSCM Conference in Spring 2014, where the DCAF would feature among the priority topics. The CSCM event would represent a good occasion to share among the participants, best practices on this issue”, Dr. Piazzi commented.
Finally, PAM Secretary General spoke about the forthcoming conference entitled “Parliamentary Diplomacy in the Mediterranean region” organized by the Hellenic Parliament, to be held in Athens on 26-27 September 2013. This meeting will provide an opportunity to share past experiences and common problems and create opportunities for growth and dialogue. Amb. Piazzi concluded that several PAM MPs will address the conference, which touches upon the fundamental role and mission of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean.