Moroccan parliamentary delegation attends IPU conference in cuba

A delegation from the chamber of representatives (lower house of the Moroccan parliament) is taking part in the 105th conference of the International parliamentary union (IPU) convening in Havana, Cuba, April 1 through 7.

Member of the delegation, Mohand Laensar, called the union to start a new era in its international relations based on tolerance and dialogue between civilizations.

He equally called for the respect of national sovereignty of states, in conformity with international conventions, a statement by the house said.

He urged the IPU to make further efforts to enlarge the scope of democracy and promote democratic principles.

The Moroccan delegation surveyed the stands of the house of representatives on regional and international issues and voiced the readiness of the Moroccan section within the union to back all parliamentary programs and initiatives seeking to defend international law and promote cooperation and solidarity between people.

The IPU session, attended by delegates of 140 member parliaments, is debating several topics related to the respect of international law in the interest of world peace and security, education and culture, as necessary tools to a larger participation of men and women in political life and peoples' development.

A meeting of women MPs is scheduled on the sidelines of the session.

The Geneva-based IP?, set up in 1889, has decided to convene its 107th session in Marrakesh in 2002.