Heading the assembly agenda is a report on developments in Turkey. Delegation member Ingebjørg Godskesen (Progress Party) is one of PACE’s two rapporteurs responsible for following Turkey and its fulfilment of obligations as a Council of Europe member.

Godskesen and co-rapporteur Marianne Mikko, of Estonia, have expressed concern over Turkish developments and the outcome of the April 16 Turkish constitutional referendum. In their draft resolution they urge Turkey among other things to rescind the state of emergency and release imprisoned journalists and parliamentarians. The plenary debate on Turkey will take place on Tuesday morning, 25 April.

Corruption allegations

In recent months the work of PACE has been strongly affected by allegations of corruption in the assembly. On Monday morning the Bureau of the Assembly will discuss proposals for dealing with the allegations and carrying out an external review of the claims.

Delegation leader Ingjerd Schou, who has taken a strong interest in the case, made the following statement ahead of the session:

“The Parliamentary Assembly must treat the allegations with utmost seriousness,” she said. “When doubt is sown about the integrity of members and the credibility of the assembly, it goes beyond PACE and is a problem for the Council of Europe as an organisation and as a guardian of democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe. A great responsibility rests with the bureau on Monday. A thorough, external and independent investigation must be in place as soon as possible.”

The agenda for PACE’s April session.

Council of Europe and Parliamentary Assembly

The Council of Europe was established in 1949 and currently has 47 member countries. The main purpose of the Council of Europe is to strengthen human rights, democracy and the rule of law in the member states.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) consists of representatives of the national assemblies of the member states, and has 324 members (and 324 substitutes) in all. The assembly has an advisory function and plays a significant role in the Council of Europe. It adopts resolutions and recommendations to member state parliaments and governments in a number of subject areas, and it monitors the compliance of new member states with their membership commitments.