Manifesto for a Liberal-Democratic Network in the EUROLAT Parliamentary Assembly

Preamble

The Latin American Democrat and Liberal Parliamentarians and the Members of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in the European Parliament - Members of the EUROLAT Parliamentary Assembly - have launched a formal network within the EUROLAT Parliamentary Assembly to strengthen the liberal-democratic values within the Assembly and beyond.

This network is extended to Democrat and Liberal Members of Parlatino (Latin American Parliament), Parlandino (Andean Parliament), Parlacen (Central American Parliament) and Parlasur (Mercosur Parliament) and in general, to Democrat and Liberal Members of national Parliaments from Latin American countries not represented within the EUROLAT parliamentary Assembly or in the above mentioned Latin American integration Parliaments.

The Members of Parliament adhere to the present manifesto in their own name.

This cooperation aims at reiterating the commitment to further promote and strengthen the bi-regional strategic partnership to a mutually beneficial relationship promoting economic and social progress in a spirit of mutual respect, equality and solidarity, building on the special historical and cultural links to maximise the potential for joint action.

Basic Principles

Each member of the network is committed to the following basic principles:

- Democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural future. We believe that all countries have the capacity to determine their own potential;

- Freedom, Responsibility, Ownership and Solidarity are the keywords of a new vision on international relations;

- Above all, we are commitment to the Liberal and Democrat fundamental principles and values of Democracy, the Rule of Law, the respect, promotion and protection of Human Rights, Gender Equality, the rights and Fundamental Freedoms of persons belonging to minorities at all levels, free market economy, poverty eradication, social and economic development and respect for international law;

- We hold that racism is incompatible with democracy and we will spare no effort to fight racism, all forms of discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance;

- We will intensify our efforts to define common liberal democrat positions and joint actions;

Objectives of the network

- To ensure better Parliamentary oversight of  EU - Latin America relations

- To guarantee that the EUROLAT Parliamentary Assembly will be more involved in future policy revisions of the Bi-regional Strategic Association established in the context of the EU-LAC (European Union-Latin American and Caribbean) Summits.

- To widen the field of political dialogue in the EUROLAT Parliamentary Assembly;

- To make progress towards the final goal of establishing, common rules for the EU and LA as a whole so as to guarantee free movement of goods, services and capital, inter alia, creating the widest possible free trade area, without losing sight of the objectives of social cohesion;

- To promote compliance with international law and reinforce an international rules-based order;

- To prepare a joint strategy and a common position upon sensitive issues within the liberal-democratic family and to reinforce collaboration between Members of Parliament.

Method of cooperation

The members agree that in order to achieve better co-operation, they must:

- Create communication networks, i.e. by means of newsletters, mailings, web pages, information on common events and activities;

- Hold preparatory meetings prior to each meeting of the three standing committees and of the Eurolat PA session in order to prepare common positions.

- Promote and strengthen contact with Liberal Democrat Ministers and European Commissioners;

- Organise meetings, seminars and conferences on subjects of common interest, preferably on a regional basis;

Entry into force

Initially, members will subscribe on an individual basis and the network will remain open to anyone sharing the same values.

We, the undersigned, agree with the basic believes and principles as stated in the Manifesto.

NAME                                                  COUNTRY                                           SIGNATURE