|
In 1991, the Inter-Parliamentary Union set up a process to promote security and cooperation in the Mediterranean region, consisting of a series of conferences and meetings that was quickly baptized the CSCM process. This process aimed to develop a comprehensive regional policy drawn up with the participation of everyone in the region and for the benefit of all, and to lay the foundations for a CSCM process at both the inter-governmental and inter-parliamentary levels. The CSCM was intended as a meeting place where, in a climate of security and stability, a genuine cultural dialogue and a partnership designed to ensure the balanced growth of the region could develop.
Throughout its thirteen year old process, the participants have made a great many proposals to lower tensions in the region and to identify areas where cooperation can be advanced. It has inspired many similar processes and has provided important ideas and building blocks to the Barcelona process.
A fourth and final CSCM Conference held in Nafplion, Greece in February 2005, signified the end of the CSCM process in the IPU. During the conference the participants agreed to create the first truly Mediterranean political institution - the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean. The inuagural session of the Assembly took place in Amman (Jordan) on 10 and 11 September 2006.
|
| |