[Chapter-delegates] Council Of Europe resolutions

[James Butler]

Khaled KOUBAA wrote:
> The Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Media
> and New Communication Services held a meeting in Iceland and adopted
> some interesting resolutions, an action plan and a resolution on
> Internet governance and another very controversial one about
> "Developments in anti-terrorism legislation in Council of Europe
> member states and their impact on freedom of expression and information".
Hmmm. It does not seem like too much was accomplished, other than making
resolutions for continued study of certain topics. Even the notes about
"anti-terrorism legislation" merely suggest a review of some legislative
efforts that might impact "freedom of expression and information", but
do not recommend any changes or even define where problems with current
or proposed legislation might exist. Basically, the conference can be
summed up by, "Make sure that Article 10 of the European Convention on
Human Rights continues to be adhered to."

Otherwise, there are no "actions" in the "Action Plan" besides things
like "1. Examine...", "2. Establish criteria [to define 'media' and
'media-like']...", "3. Examine...", "4. Examine...", "5.  Pursue
work...", "6. ..explore and, if appropriate, elaborate..", "7. Continue
to develop the notion...", "8. Explore...", "9. Examine...", "10. Pursue
reflection on...", "11. Pursue work...", "12. Continue to address..."
and "13. Explore..."

It doesn't seem to me to be any sort of controversial document. The
resolutions and actions suggested seem to be more political wishwash
than concerted efforts to obtain significant movement on any of the
topics mentioned. In other words ... nothing to worry about, or even to
comment on, for that matter.

What am I missing?

James Butler
ISOC-LA Board Chairman
Los Angeles, California USA