Much has been written about the mutilation of the SR's mandate (this was the original draft, sponsored by Canada and others). Live video of it happening has been archived here: the 'fun' starts at 40 minutes, when Pakistan introduces the OIC amendment requiring the mandate to also report on certain abuses of free speech, and it really hots up at around the one hour six minutes mark with the unscripted introduction of a subsequent Cuban amendment stressing "the importance for all forms of media to repeat and to deliver information in a fair and partial manner" (it should probably be 'impartial' - whatever. The Cuban amendment has so far been reported officially only in this press release). The Cubans had given no notice whatsoever of their amendment, and this causes all manner of procedural confusion over whether it should be allowed or not. The Chinese intervene to support the amendment while the Slovenians, who hold the EU presidency at the moment and speak for the 'pro speech group', frantically wave to get the floor but are ignored. The President eventually exercises his discretion and allows the amendment causing the Slovenians to object, but to no avail.
What a mess ... I can't wait to find out who they'll appoint as rapporteur. This will happen at the 8th session, on June 18 according to the provisional programme of work.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
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