The 3rd Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, which was held in Monaco from 13-15 November 2008, has consolidated the role of the PAM as the legitimate forum for Mediterranean parliamentary diplomacy. National delegations from 22 Member States, regional Parliamentary Assemblies, non-Mediterranean countries, international organisations and NGOs gathered at the Fairmont Hotel overlooking the historical Mediterranean port of the Principality of Monaco to discuss the achievements and the future programs and projects of the Assembly.
The Assembly also elected by acclamation the Hon. Rudy Salles from France as the new Assembly President for a 2 year term as established by the Statutes. The French parliamentarian was previously a member of the Bureau as well as Vice President of PAM under the leadership of President Abdelwahed Radi from Morocco. Mr Radi described Mr Salles as a man of conviction, of courage, and a man with great ambitions for the Assembly. “I am satisfied to leave the presidency of our organisation in the able hands of Mr Salles who will guide the new Bureau towards more achievements”, Mr Radi said. He added that together with the Secretary General, Dr Sergio Piazzi, and the small yet competent, professional and committed team, the organisation is set to grow for the benefit of all citizens of the region.
In Monaco, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean has also adopted the “Charter of the Mediterranean”, the political manifesto where the commitment to the peace, security and prosperity process is now enshrined in the name of the Mediterranean populations. It also confirms PAM’s role as the Agora of the region’s own national parliaments. Outgoing PAM President, Mr Abdelwahed Radi, in his comments at the end of the 3rd Plenary Session described the Charter as the document that defines the identity of the Mediterranean and as the road map for the region’s future.
In his concluding words, Mr Radi referred to the “Mediterranean Day” which will be held on the 21st of March of every year. He said that it is an important appointment since it will help to increase awareness in the public opinion and will underline the importance of creating a truly genuine Mediterranean community.
The “Mediterranean Day” was presented to the Assembly by PAM Vice President Mrs. Elsa Papademetriou (Greece). “We want to push the positive characteristics of the Mediterranean, since we believe that parliamentarians represent people who are fundamentally convinced that the peaceful integration of cultures, of ideas and of distinct aspirations, is not only a wish but there exists a concrete potential to reach it. It might
take time, like anything else, but what matters is that at the end of any endeavor, approached through an attitude of goodwill, a positive achievement is possible”, said Mrs Papademetriou.
The theme chosen for the first Mediterranean Day is “Shared Values – Shared Aspirations”. It will be celebrated on 21 March 2009 and will address, as a prime target, the Mediterranean youth.
Turkey will be hosting the 4th Plenary Session in 2009, followed by invitations from Italy and Morocco for 2010 and 2011 respectively.