La Mémoire du Grand-Saconnex, the local historical society, will present an exhibit for the general public on the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) from 7 to 16 October 2005 at the Ferme Sarasin in Grand Saconnex (Geneva). With a wealth of texts and images, the exhibit will depict the history and work of the oldest international political organization and present its new Headquarters, the House of Parliaments.

The public will be able to become acquainted with the world organization of parliaments through archive documents and images, posters, books, photos, stamps and other objects that explain its past and its current work to strengthen democracy, promote gender partnership in politics, ensure respect for the human rights of elected representatives and foster parliamentary diplomacy.

Located in the town of Grand-Saconnex, in the heart of Geneva's international district, the House of Parliaments was inaugurated on 3 October 2003 in the presence of Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs. The building was formerly known as the Villa Gardiol, and was erected in 1908 by the architect Marc Camoletti, who also designed Geneva's Victoria Hall. It was renovated by Brauen & Waelchli Architecture Associates and Tekhne Management SA, based in Lausanne, with the support of the Federal Council, the Genevan authorities and the Building Foundation for International Organizations (FIPOI).

Journalists are cordially invited to the opening of this exhibit on Thursday, 6 October 2005, at 7 p.m., in the Saconnay hall of the Ferme Sarasin (47 chemin Edouard-Sarasin, Grand Saconnex, Geneva).

The elected representatives of the 141 IPU Member Parliaments who are expected to attend the 113th IPU Assembly in Geneva from 15 to 19 October 2005 will be able to visit the exhibit until 19 October (by appointment).

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Established in 1889 and with its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the IPU, the oldest multilateral political organisation, currently brings together 141 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. La Mémoire du Grand-Saconnex was established in 1996 by a decision of the town's administrative council. The society's aim is to research, gather and maintain any traces of the past and present life of Grand-Saconnex and its residents in order to preserve them and pass them on to future generations.
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Contact for additional information or interviews:

In Geneva: Mrs. Luisa Ballin, IPU Information Officer 5, ch. du Pommier, CH - 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex / Geneva Tel. +41 22 919 41 16/27 Fax: +41 22 919 41 60 E-mail: lb@mail.ipu.org or cbl@mail.ipu.org At La Mémoire du Grand-Saconnex: Mr. Henri Stengel Tel.: +41 22 798 71 11