On 4 June 2020, PAM President Hon. Karim Darwish convened the 39th meeting of the PAM Bureau. The meeting took place in a virtual format. Vice-Presidents and Presidents Emeritus from Algeria, Egypt, France, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Morocco, Palestine, Portugal and the Secretary General attended the meeting.
The conference started with a review of economic prospects in the context of the pandemic, with emphasis on recovery strategies, support to SMEs, the labour market and the relaunch of tourism, which is vital for the entire Mediterranean region.
Delegates took stock of the recent work conducted by PAM with key partners and highlighted the value of the upcoming PAM high-level conference on economic recovery on 8 July, at which policy-makers shall share their insights on the macro-economic dimension and tools, and on concrete measures available for SMEs and Start-Ups.
Moreover, a dedicated PAM meeting will be organised on the unique cultural heritage of the Mediterranean region, and how it serves as a pull factor in revitalising tourism in the recovery phases.
The discussion then moved on to address the effects of the pandemic on social issues, such as education and domestic violence. There was agreement to organize a debate on improving legislation and national prosecution and protection practices to fight any form of domestic violence, and particularly violence against women and children.
On security matters, delegates examined the present situations in Libya, Syria, Iraq, the Sahel and the Middle East. They unanimously agreed to continue monitoring developments and expressed their readiness to mobilise parliamentary diplomacy, as needed, to support de-escalation and peace efforts in the region. As agreed during the 14th Plenary Session held in Athens last February, they reaffirmed the decision of PAM to organise a dedicated parliamentary meeting to promote the resumption of direct negotiations for the Peace Process in the Middle East and to achieve a Two-State solution. This in addition to another initiative to support national reconciliation in Libya through a dedicated PAM parliamentary track.
On the issue of terrorism, PAM is coordinating with OSCE PA and the UN Office on Counter-terrorism the organization of a joint meeting on 30 June with the aim of assessing the current situation and the impact of the pandemic on the evolving threats by terrorism and radicalization.
PAM Secretary General presented a detailed report on the challenges posed by COVID to the functioning of the Assembly, the quick reassessing of priorities with partners, the technological solutions found and the modus operandi chosen to ensure the continuous functioning of PAM structures, while guaranteeing that WHO health precautionary measures for the staff, at all duty stations, be enforced.
The Bureau will continue its work in a virtual format for the coming months.