Multi-Party Democracy In The Soviet Union

EDM number 504 in 1989-90, proposed by David Atkinson on 09/02/1990.

That this House welcomes the recommendation of the Central Committee of the CPSU to allow for the introduction of a multi-party democracy; looks forward to its earliest practical implementation which, together with respect for the Rule of Law and of human rights as defined under the European Convention, will qualify the Soviet Union for full membership of the Council of Europe as the institution of the Common European House as recognised by President Gorbachev in his speech to its Parliamentary Assembly of 6th January 1989; recognises, however, that these objectives will not be achieved overnight or without difficulties in view of the country's lack of a democratic tradition, unlike those of other Eastern European countries, and of its size and nationalities; nevertheless, appeals for further real progress to be made in implementing into Soviet law the commitments entered into under the Vienna Concluding Document of 19th January 1989, that will provide for genuine judicial independence, freedom of speech, assembly and association, religion and of the Press, including the printing and distribution of literature by groups and individuals, and in resolving outstanding questions concerning remaining refuseniks and religious and political prisoners, in advance of the CSCE Conference on the Human Dimension to be held in Moscow in September 1991.

This motion has been signed by a total of 15 MPs.