PRESS RELEASE BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MP Ryan Callus addresses the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

The 150^th Assembly of the IPU held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan between 4-9 April, focused its general debate on parliamentary action for social development and justice and provided a platform for delegates to deliberate and exchange views on parliamentary action on this subject.

MP Ryan Callus stated in his address that the discrepancy between the rate with which inflation increases year on year and the increase in the net income for a medium income family, is not providing peace of mind towards a sustainable living.

MP Ryan Callus pointed out that self-imposed trade imbalances are being created through the imposition of blanket tariffs, threatening further the financially weak and marginalised groups. These tariff increases will result in the further erosion of the already insufficient living income. He stressed that the IPU provides the right platform, to call upon our governments to fight against market protection measures with lasting benefits to our peoples. He remarked that parliamentarians have an important role to oversee wages that truly reflect the right apportion of the profits generated.

In conclusion MP Ryan Callus emphasised that Parliaments should work harder to eradicate poverty, provide access to basic services in healthcare, education and housing, provide fair wages and good working conditions, work on the integration of immigrants and the participation of women, youth and minority groups.

MP Ryan Callus also participated in the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security. The Standing Committee debated the draft resolution entitled 'The role of parliaments in advancing a two-State solution in Palestine'. During his intervention, MP Ryan Callus expressed his concern in particular with the grave situation in Gaza. He stressed that the only viable path to break the cycle of violence and ensure security, prosperity and equal rights for the peoples of Israel and Palestine, in line with international law and the principles of self-determination and territorial integrity, is the two-state solution. The resolution was finally adopted by the Assembly.

On the margins of the Assembly, MP Ryan Callus accompanied Speaker Anġlu Farrugia during bilateral meetings held with Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Brahim Boughali, President of the People's National Assembly of Algeria and Nuriddin Ismailov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan.

The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. What began in 1889 as a small group of parliamentarians, dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue, has since grown into a truly global organization with 182 Members and 15 Associate Members. The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.​

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