2 May 2006

NZ delegation to attend IPU assembly in Kenya

New Zealand will be represented by a delegation of three MPs at this month’s
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Kenya.

The delegation will be led by John Carter (National Party); the other delegates are Russell Fairbrother (Labour Party) and Te Ururoa Flavell (Maori Party).

Established in 1889, the IPU is the international organisation of Parliaments of sovereign states. It has 140 members and provides a focal point for worldwide parliamentary dialogue while working for peace and co-operation and for representative democracy.

The Speaker, Hon Margaret Wilson, says the assembly’s agenda includes a general debate on international political, economic and social issues with the overall theme of promoting democracy and helping to build democratic institutions.
Other issues on the agenda include promoting effective ways to combat violence against women, strengthening the control of trafficking in small arms and light weapons, and combating global degradation of the environment.

Ms Wilson said attendance at conferences such as the IPU enabled MPs to foster contacts and exchange experiences with parliaments and parliamentarians from other countries.

‘They consider questions of international interest and concern and this helps bring about action by parliaments and parliamentarians.’
The Assembly will be held in Nairobi, May 7-12.

ENDS

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