At the IPU Assembly which opened today in Geneva, legislators from 127 countries adopted an emergency agenda item entitled The announcement by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea of its nuclear weapons test and the strengthening of the nuclear non-proliferation regime. The item was submitted by the delegation of Japan and received a two thirds majority of the votes (773 votes in favour).

An item entitled The role of parliaments in further mobilizing the international community in efforts to rebuild Lebanon, support its development and its war-ravaged economy, and pursue just and lasting peace in the Middle East, was submitted by the delegation of Jordan on behalf of the Arab Group, with the support of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and was defeated (668 votes in favour).

The IPU Governing Council met this morning and decided to include the parliaments of Gambia, Montenegro and Palau among its members.

Taking up the situation in Thailand, the IPU condemned the recent coup d'Etat, reaffirmed its belief in democratic principles and deplored the removal by force of a democratically elected parliament. In view of the dissolution of the Thai Assembly, the world organization of parliaments decided to suspend the participation of Thailand in its activities.

The IPU welcomed the declared intention of Thailand to return to democracy and hold elections within 12 months, and noted the promulgation of a transitional Constitution and the establishment of a new, albeit appointed, National Legislative Assembly as a transitional measure. The IPU offered support to Thailand in its return to democratic rule built upon the foundation of an elected parliament.

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Established in 1889 and with its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the IPU, the oldest multilateral political organisation, currently brings together 149 affiliated parliaments and seven regional assemblies as associate members. The world organisation of parliaments has an Office in New York, which acts as its Permanent Observer at the United Nations.
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Contact for additional information or interviews:

Mrs. Luisa Ballin, IPU Information Officer 5, ch. du Pommier, CH - 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex / Geneva Phone: +41 22 919 41 16 Fax: +41 22 919 41 60 E-mail: lb@mail.ipu.org or cbl@mail.ipu.org