15 Nov. 2002

New security challenges to dominate NATO Parliamentary Assembly meeting The 48th Annual Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) is taking place from 15 to 19 November in Istanbul. It will focus on NATO's adaptation to new security threats and to the next wave of enlargement, when several new members are expected to be invited. The highlight of the event will be the debate of the Assembly's Draft Declaration on NATO Transformation. This document represents the Assembly's collective view on all the key issues to be discussed at the Prague Summit, 21-22 November, and makes recommendations to NATO on these issues. The new President of the Assembly, who will be elected at the plenary session, will present the final version of the Declaration to NATO Heads of State and Government in Prague. The session will bring together approximately 300 legislators from over 40 countries, including NATO and Partner countries. The President of Turkey, Mr Ahmet Necdet Sezer, NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson, and the President of the NATO PA, Mr Rafael Estrella, will give the keynote addresses at the opening ceremony. This annual session also includes meetings of five committees: the Political Committee, the Defence and Security Committee, the Economics and Security Committee, the Science and Technology Committee and the Civil Dimension of Security Committee. More information: Website of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Background on the Parliamentary Assembly