On June 8 the PABSEC 27^th plenary session resumed its activities. The debates were over the cultural, educational and social key problems. Filippos Tsalidis, Member of the PABSEC Economic, Commercial, Technological and Environmental Affairs Committee, representative of the Greek delegation introduced the report “The Dialogue of Cultures as a Means of Creating Confidence between Nations.” As he ensured, the culture is the main factor of human life and fundamental criteria of social activity. On October 5, 2005 the European Commission proposed to declare the year 2008 “European Year of Dialogue Between the Cultures,” noting that the dialogue between the cultures can promote the implementation of the union’s strategic preferences. The dialogue between cultures is a continuous process, where the participants are ready to transfer their world outlook in the way of integration of other perspectives. As Mr. Tsalidis ensured, the inter-cultural dialogue has a great potential at international, national and local levels for prevention of conflicts, solution of social, economic and political problems, exchange of experience and taking jointly necessary measures. In the globalizing world the frameworks of the cultural society’s picture have been changed, so, it’s important that the society could adjust the cultural changes, including the values, norms and the differences of the young generation’s strivings. According to the report, the PABSEC member-states are proposed to evaluate their common legacy and values within the framework of religion, languages and culture. Taking into account the cultural and historical rich legacy of the PABSEC member-states, Filippos Tsalidis noted that the development of tourism became one of the perspectives of PABSEC countries’ cooperation. The inter-cultural dialogue is observed as an important mission of cultural and scientific frameworks.

Vladimir Badalyan, Vice-Chairman of the PABSEC Cultural, Educational and Social Affairs Committee, member of the Armenian delegation. He noted that the PABSEC is aware of the importance of the cultural dialogue as a means of strengthening the confidence between the Black Sea region peoples. It was informed that the Committee highlights the role of the educational, spiritual values and ethnic systems in the development of science and realizes the importance of the tourism development, underlines the influence of mass media as intellectual component. The Committee welcomes the process of the European Union enlargement, realizing the advantage of the European Union’s integration for the PABSEC member-states, preserving its cultural, educational and social uniqueness. The PABSEC assigns the parliaments and governments of BSEC member-states that the cultural dialogue of member-states will promote the differentiation of common values, to take into account that the education will promote the learning of other cultures and civilizations, to guarantee the equality and participation of the society’s all layers to the cultural life, to follow the experience of the European Union within the framework of the program “European Year of the Dialogue Between the Cultures” and review the issue of setting up the Cultural Committee of BSEC countries.

Alexey Kudryavtsev, PABSEC General Secretary touched upon the outcomes of the forum held in Istanbul on April 26-27, 2006 of the Human Rights Defenders of the PABSEC member-countries, noting that the goal of the meeting to speed up the establishment of the Institute of Human Rights Defender in the countries, where it lacks. In the statement of the Ombudsmen of PABSEC member-states it is noted that in the developing world the society requires more various and qualified structures of state management, so the role and functions of the institutes of the Human Rights Defender obtain great importance, which is more urgent for the countries being in the transition period. The democracy is the citizen’s basic right, which is exercised in the conditions of freedom and independence. The Ombudsman is a linking circle between the civil society and state bodies. In the statement the Ombudsmen of PABSEC member-states welcome the strengthening of the national institutes of the Human Rights Defender within the frameworks of the European Union, Council of Europe and other international organizations.

The audit report of 2005 financial year was presented for ratification, which prepared the PABSEC budgetary-audit report. The Committee, presided over by Davit Saganelidze, representative of Georgia, studied the process of 2005 budget execution of the international secretariat. The revenues have been collected from the membership payments of the member-states: 992.000 USD was received, 141.000 USD entered into the budget from the return of the debts of the previous years. The expenditures during the last year were 907.000 USD, though this index approved by PABSEC budget has been 992.000 USD. Savings have been registered. The expenditures have been high in the cases designed for the official delegations and protocol. This is conditioned by the big number of international events. In 2005 in the conditions of 9,8% inflation recorded in Turkey the level of some expenditures also surpassed the indicated level (the Secretariat is based in Turkey). The Committee recorded in the report that both in 2004 and 2005 succeeded to prevent the dangerous intention of reducing the PABSEC reserve fund. During 2005 the reserve fund increased b y 510.000 USD. The year 2005 was peculiar by the fact that Armenia fulfilled the financial obligations undertaken before PA, covering all the debts. Georgia and Albania covered the debts partially. According to the data of the end of 2005, the sum of the debt towards PABSEC was 271.000 USD. Together with accumulated debts of the previous years that number was 342.000 USD. As a result of studies financial underfulfilments haven’t been disclosed. The Committee made a conclusion in the report that the International Secretariat executed inner audit maintaining the financial rules.

By the decision of the General Assembly, from now on the budgeting process will be fulfilled by Euro: the 2007 budget draft was formed by European currency. It is designed to organize an interparliamentary meeting to prevent the bird flu epidemics: it is proposed to allocate money from PABSEC reserve fund.

The next agenda issue was the election of PABSEC Vice President. At the suggestion of the Ukrainian delegation Ivan Bukeyev was elected Vice President of PABSEC.

At the end of the Assembly, Tigran Torosyan, RA NA President, PABSEC President noted:

“Summing up the work results we’ll note that, in general, it was effective and was directed to the solution of the urgent problems put before us. I would like to mention the active participation of the Assembly members to the session, their constructive stances towards the debating problems, the readiness of the further cooperation for the solution of the general problems. The session results approve once again the adherence of the Assembly members to the Declaration of PABSEC, the aim of which is to make the Black Sea region an area of peace, welfare and stability.

It’s necessary to mention that though our organization has certain achievements, there are still numerous problems, which can be solved only due to joint consecutive and aimed work.

I’m sure that in the future the BSEC activity will be directed at the creation of stable economic ties in the region, rise of welfare of the peoples of our countries.

During the last six months Armenia had an honour to be a presiding country of an Assembly, which gradually enjoys more authority in the international sphere. I would like to thank sincerely to all members of the Assembly Bureau, Standing Committee for the productive work, cooperation and support in this period of the Assembly activity.

On behalf of all participants I would like to give high estimation to BSEC International Secretariat and NA staff officials that prepared this session of the Assembly and contributed to the successful activity.

Transferring the Assembly presidency to the members of Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I congratulate them and wish successes. I’m sure that our organization with the new presidency from now on will follow the approved good traditions and will achieve great successes in its activity.

I express once again my gratitude all participant of the Assembly and wish successes in BSEC activities and national parliaments for the sake of our peoples.”

At the fourth sitting of the session by rotation order the PABSEC presidency was transferred to Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Asaf Hajiyev, Head of PABSEC delegation of Azerbaijan read the address of Ogtay Asadov, Speaker of Milli Mejlis:

“I express my deep gratitude to RA Parliament for providing good conditions.

Taking the advantage, I congratulate my colleague Tigran Torosyan for being elected RA NA President wishing him successes in his work.

During recent years the Black Sea Basin obtains great importance not only for the development of our region, but also for the whole Eurasia continent.

We, together with you should pass a long path of cooperation, debate issues of the spheres of economy, industry and culture, the solution of which will contribute to the development and mutual understanding of the Black Sea region.

The issues of security are important for our region, on which depends the development of the region. The ethnic conflicts of the Black Sea Basin impede the development of the region. They are reflected in the spiritual life, and we should make all efforts for their quick solution. Our historic mission is to overcome those conflicts. We are destined to be neighbours by history and live in peace, which has and can’t have any alternative.”

Mr. Hajiyev also informed that Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline have managed to get the Caspian oil to international market, and the activity of that oil pipeline can contribute to the development of the whole region. In his words, inviting the PABSEC members to Azerbaijan in November 2006, the Speaker of Milli Mejlis ensures that Azerbaijan will fulfill the obligations of BSEC presiding country with honour and responsibility.

At the end of the session a final press conference of the heads of NA Speaker Tigran Torosyan and the national delegations participating at PA activities.

Tigran Torosyan, NA Speaker noted that there are conflicts in the region but the basis of PABSEC activity should be the general grounds and expressed a hope that the work within PA framework and the delegations’ heads will contribute to the solution of regional problems and conflicts.

In response to the question of the Republic of Armenia daily how the delegations’ heads refer to the attempts of Turkey and Azerbaijan of driving out Armenia from regional economic programmes, for example, the operation of Tbilisi-Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Asaf Hajiyev, head of Azerbaijani delegation noted: “There is a conflict, and we, first of all, shall think how to settle it. When the conflict is solved, and I’m sure it will be solved, there will be peace in our countries. There must be peace because there is no alternative to it. I think at that time we’ll have joint projects. First, the conflicts must be solved. A few days ago our presidents’ meeting was held, and you too must contribute to the settlement of the conflict with your questions. If everything is based on the grievance, or you do this and that, we won’t reach anything good. Both the journalists and parliamentarians should promote that the presidents’ dialogue of two countries would give positive result. The Armenian and Azerbaijani people deserve peace.”

Gagik Minasyan, Head of the Armenian delegation, noticed that Armenia really stays out from a number of regional projects, and it’s very painful: “The steps that today we are taking in this sphere will have their impact continuously. I’m sure that one of the most important opportunities of the solution of the serious problems of our region is the mutual economic cooperation. The economic policy that our neighbours carry out, not only contribute to the solution of the existing problems, but lead to a deadlock. The countries, who drive out Armenia from the regional economic cooperation, must understand that they sow seeds of evil, the fruit of which will get the generations.”

Nicolaos Tsiartsionis, Head of the Greek delegation, highlighted the cooperation of the region’s people, sincere dialogue: “The cooperation must be for the sake of majority, but not for private interests.”

The journalists also touched upon the problem of constructing Kars-Akhalkalak-Tbilisi-Baku railway.

Gagik Minasyan reminded at PABSEC previous session that issue was discussed. In the relevant report and assignment the PABSEC official view was affirmed: that is, the programmes being implemented in the region should take into account not only the region’s interests but the interest of the region’s each country. Its best manifestation must consider the restoration of Kars-Gyumri railway communication.

“Nobody said anything against the restoration of the railway, and nobody can impede Turkey and Georgia if they want to have direct railway communication. There is nothing surprising in that, and it fully complies with BSEC statute and the interests of the region’s countries,” said Zurab Davitashvili, Head of the Georgian delegation.

Alexander Zasohov, Head of the Russian delegation, touched upon the two views, that is, it’s necessary first to focus on the solution of the conflicts, then speak about cooperation, second, solve the problems, which unite the region’s countries. “I would like to emphasize that recently during the debates a policy of tolerance, restraint was adopted. In the address of RA President Robert Kocharyan there was a very important record. He was confirming, and that was right that social-economic joint programmes, transport and other issues, the effective progress in that direction would promote the settlement of the conflicts. I would to emphasize that it is the most important result of PABSEC.”

Mr. Hajiyev also touched upon the statement of Musa Guliyev, member of the Azerbaijani delegation in the talk with the journalists the day before that if the NK problem is not solved in the coming 1-2 years there will be war.

Asaf Hajiyev, Head of Azerbaijani delegation noted: “Azerbaijan thinks that all opportunities of the peaceful settlement of the problem are not exhausted. When they are exhausted, a new situation will be created, and it will be necessary to seek new methods of conflict solution, and comment on these words that war will begin, I think, is not correct.”

“We know quite well what the war is, what brings it to the people. I believe that nobody can seriously think that such problems can be solved through war. Armenia is a member of world community: there is no international organization, which will say that the war is an opportunity for the solution of conflicts or this or that problems. On the contrary, all of them repeatedly announced, and I’m sure that they will announce that there is no alternative for the peaceful settlement of the conflicts. So, I believe, if somebody speaks about future war anywhere, it is of propagandistic importance,” said Parliament President Tigran Torosyan.

He expressed a hope that there will never be a war between Azerbaijan and Karabakh and the sides remember the lessons received from the Karabakh war: “I’m sorry that the questions and answers sounded from the sphere of conflicts and problems. I thought we’d speak more about the thing what unites us, it’s another thing it’s more or less. If it’s much less it’s necessary to speak about that, extend the borders between our peoples and countries, and only in that way we’ll reach the solution of conflicts in the region, Europe and world.”

The PABSEC 27^th plenary session completed its works.