Majority and Minority Leaders elected to IPU c'ttees

Accra, Oct. 11, GNA - The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Felix Owusu Adjapong has been elected a member of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) Ad-hoc Committee that handles issues on the Middle East.

The 111th Assembly of the IPU that met in Geneva, last month also elected the Minority Leader, Mr Alban Bagbin as Vice-President of the Committee on Peace and International Security.

A statement from the Office of Parliament in Accra on Monday said Ghana attended the Assembly with a delegation of nine comprising the Speaker; Mr Peter Ala Adjetey, the Majority and Minority leaders and some Members of Parliament.

The Assembly, which is an association of 140 Parliaments worldwide, meets twice a year to deliberate on issues affecting the Legislature. Last month's meeting focused on biodiversity, human rights and peace and international security.

Speaking on his return from the meeting, Mr Ala Adjetey said it was important that parliaments all over spoke with one voice since they faced similar problems.

Citing the case of the Malaysian MP, Ibrahim Anwah, who faced unfair trial in his country as a result of his fall out with his country's Prime Minister, the Speaker said human rights violations against MPs should be criticized in the strongest terms. This he said would ensure that MPs worked efficiently for the people, who elected them into office.

Mr Adjapong said the IPU served as an avenue for MPs to meet and share ideas.

He said there was a lot to be learnt by Ghana as it prepared to host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association meeting in 2006.