AW-Organisations

Arab League
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|BLeague of Arab States|N

The Arab League was founded in Cairo in |B1945|N as a loose amalgamation of the seven Arab countries that were independent at that time: Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi-Arabia, (North-)Yemen and Iraq.
The League strives for co-operation of the Arab nations, in the political, economic and cultural field. Its |Bmajor goal|N is the recognition of Palestine as an independent country. But it have been the United States and not the Arab League which have supported the rapproachment of Israel and the PLO and the treaties that have resulted. And also in the Kuwait war the League was unable to find a common strategy. Some success it has in the cultural and economic field, by coordinating financial transfer from the petroleum exporting countries to the poorer ones.
The highest |Bauthorities|N of the Arab League are the Council of the kings and heads of states, the League Council and some other councils and standing committees. Majority decisions of these institutions are only binding on those countries that have voted accordingly. Secretary General has been the Egyptian Esmat Abdel Menguid, since 1991. The seat of the organization is Cairo.
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ASEAN - Association of Southeast Asean Nations
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|BAssociation of Southeast Asean Nations (ASEAN)|N

The ASEAN was founded in Bangkok in 1967; founder-members were Indonesia, Malaysia, Singpore, Thailand and the Philippines. Brunei joined in 1984, Vietnam in 1995.
The organization's |Bgoal|N is to support the co-operation of its member nations, in the economic, social and cultural field. The economic successes are not overwhelming by now, but the ASEAN is developing to an important political instituion in Asia, because its member countries coordinate their foreign policies very effectively.
The most important decisions are made at the |Bsummits|N of the heads of states and governments, other authorities are the Council of Ministers and some standing commitees.
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Benelux
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|BBENELUX|N

The Benelux was founded in London at September 5th 1944, by the governments in exile of Belgium, Luxemburg and the Netherlands. The purpose of the treaty was an economical integration of the three countries, to be completed with an economic union. The treaty was affirmed in 1946 by the post-war governments, and came into effect at Januari 1th, 1948.
The Benelux is based upon intergovernmental cooperation, decisions are made within the Committee of Ministers. The highest organ of the Benelux is the Council of the Economic Union, which prepares the decisions of the Committee of Ministers and takes care of the execution.
Advising committees are: the Advising Interparlementary Benelux Council and the Economic and Social Council of Advice. Judicial organs are: the Board of Arbitration and the Benelux Court.
In the 1950's the Benelux treaties stood more or less model for the West-European integration (EC). However, the meaning of the Benelux has decreased rapidly over the last years, due to the increasing importance of the EC. Nowadays many Benelux treaties are out of date or even in conflict with EC-law.
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CE - Council of Europe 
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|BCouncil of Europe (CE)|N

Being the first European international governmental organization on a democratic base, the Council of Europe was founded in London in |B1949|N. The ten founder members are the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, France and Italy. The other democratic countries have joined in the following decades, the previously communist countries since 1990.
|BMajor goal|N is a close co-operation of the member countries, to support economic and social progress in Europe. The CE has advisory functions, it is a forum for international meetings and consultations. Favourite topics are human rights, support for democracy, cultural issues and the protection of the environment. The decisions of the CE require consent of the national governments. The most important one has been the European Convention for Human Rights and Individual Freedom (1950).
The most important |Bauthorities|N are the parlamentary assembly whose members are delegated by the national parliaments, and the committee of ministers consisting of the foreign ministers of the member countries. They meet at least twice per year in Strasbourg which is also seat of the organization and the secretary general with about 900 officials.
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CIS - Community of Independent States
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|BCommunity of Independent States (CIS)|N

On September 5th, 1991 the Congress of the People's Delegates sealed the end of the Soviet Union, that was to be converted to a federation of independent republics. Some bilateral treaties were made, and on December 8th the three slavic republics of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine founded the Community of Independent States (CIS). On December 21st the other former Soviet republics except Georgia and the Batlic states joined the CIS. Azerbaijan and Moldova left in 1993.
The CIS is neither a state nor a supranational authority; it is just a forum for the protection and coordination of the common interest of the member nations. Another goal is to fulfill the liabilities (e.g. foreign debths) of the former Soviet Union.
The highest authorities of the CIS are the Council of the Heads of States und the Council of the Heads of Governments. But the opportunities of the CIS are limited, because of the Russian-Ukrainian antagonism.
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Commonwealth of Nations
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|BThe Commonwealth of Nations|N

The Commonwealth of Nations is an organization of independent states and dependencies, centered around the British Crown. It developed from the former British Empire. Originally the name was 'The British Commonwealth of Nations', but the term 'British' was dropped after WWII.
Historically, the present Commonwealth is the result of the development to autonomy of the older parts of the British Empire, the dominions (Canada, Australia, ...). Especially their demand for full autonomy over their own foreign affairs, stated during WWI, was of large influence. In 'the Statute of Westminster' (1931) the full autonomy of those dominions was juridically settled.
After the disintegration of the British Empire most new-formed countries inherited the Commonwealth membership. Most member-states recognize the British King (Queen) as their monarch, but also the republics (India, Tanzania, ...) regard the King (Queen) as a symbol of the association of the independent members.
In 1947 the 'Burma Independence Act' was accepted. This gives the right to every member to withdraw itself from the Commonwealth at any time. Some countries have made use of this act: Burma (evidently), and the 'apartheid' states South-Africa and Rhodesia (the present Zimbabwe).
Primarily, the Commonwealth functions through intergovernmental consultancy and the periodical meetings of the Commonwealth Heads of Government. Since 1965 there is a common secretary (London), which promotes the multilateral consultancy between the members. It also administers the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (founded in 1971).
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EU - European Union
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|BEuropean Union (EU)|N

The European Community for Coal and Steel (ECCS) was founded in Paris in 1951, by the six countries Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Luxemburg and the Netherlands. Its aim was a common market for coal, iron and steel, the most important economic ressources of that time.
With the Treaties of Rome in |B1957|N the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Community (Euratom) were founded by the same countries. The EEC's aim was to establish a common market for agricultural and industrial products: Mutual customs duties were reduced and a joint policy on agriculture began.
At first these three organizations worked seperately, but since 1967 they have maintained joint authorities and a joint name: The European Community (EC). Other nations have entered into the EC during the following years: Denmark, Ireland and the UK in 1973, Greece in 1981, Portugal and Spain in 1986. January 1st, 1995 Sweden, Finland and Austria joined after plebiscites. The Norwegians decided against becoming a member.
The initial goal of the European Community was close economic co-operation of the member countries. Since the Maastricht treaties (1991) they have also strived for more political co-operation. The single European market shall become an economic and monetary union (EMU), and the organization has received its new name: European Union (EU). The following agreements serve these aims:
Citizens of an EU country can live, work and take part in community and European elections in any other member country. The European Parliament gained more influence. A common foreign and defense policy shall be established in the future. Co-operation in the domestic and juristic policies will be increased for immigration laws, customs and the combat against terrorism and organized crime.
The |Bmonetary union|N has been exactly scheduled: The member countries' central banks will become independent from the national governments in 1996, the European Central Bank will be founded in Frankfurt am Main in 1997. In 1999 the EMU can start if seven countries fulfill these conditions: Inflation not bigger than 3%, budget deficit lower than 3% of the national GNP, total debt under 60% of the GNP. Only Luxemburg fulfills all of these conditions at the moment; Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece not a single one.
The most important |Bauthorities|N of the EU are the Commission, the Council of Ministers, the Parliament and the Law Court. The |BCommision|N is the executive body and consists of 20 people that are appointed for five years by the member countries. The Commission is supposed to maintain the interests of Europe as a whole. It recommends bills and creates rules for the enforcement of EU laws, e.g. concerning agriculture. President of the Commision is Luxemburg's |BJaques Santer|N, since 1995. Seat of the Commision is Brussels.
The |BCouncil of Ministers|N is the "legislative" authority of the EU. Every member country sends one minister (foreign minister or subject minister) that decide on bills of the Commission. Because every country has the power of veto, decisions must be unanimously; due to that the Council is supposed to maintain the national interests. It meets at Brussels and Luxemburg.
The |BEuropean Parliament (EP)|N in Strasbourg still has only little power: The appointment of the Commissioners requires the EP's agreement, it can propose bills, discuss and reject the budget. The 626 MPs are elected directly by the people.
The |BEuropean Law Court|N in Luxemburg consists of 15 judges. It can be appealed by every citizen of the EU, and decides on all controversies over European law which is superior to the national laws.
The heads of state and goverment of the member countries meet at |Bsummits|N at least twice per year. The decisions made there are de facto the most important ones for the EU.
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G7 - World Economic Summit
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|BWorld Economic Summit (G7-Countries)|N

Since 1975 the heads of government of the seven greatest western industrial nations meets every year at the World Economic Summit, where they discuss topical questions of world economy.
The aim of the WES is mutual information and discussion about national positions and their coordination. In recent years the relations of the West to the USSR/CIS became more and more important, and in 1992 the Russian president Boris Yeltzin took part in the summit, as a guest.
The G7-countries do not really form an organization, because there are no standing committees or other bodies.
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NAFTA - North American Free Trade Agreement
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|BNorth American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)|N

In 1989, USA and Canada signed a free trade agreement (CFTA). In 1990, Mexican president Carlos Salinas sent his application to join in which was strongly promoted by US-president Bush. After many concessions of Mexico, negotiations were done in 1992, an on January 1st, |B1994|N the NAFTA-treaty came into effect. Chile and other Latin American countries seemed to be possible candidates for a NAFTA-expansion but due to the current economic situation, the agreement probably will not expand in the near future.
NAFTA's |Bgoal|N is reducing tariffs and nontariff barriers on imports from the other member countries. Economic co-operation between the three countries had been close in the past, and is now institutionalized: 70% of Mexican export had already been to the USA, now it is more than 85%. This is similar for Canada.
At the present time, |Bauthorities|N are few:A tri-lateral economic commission and a panel of trade experts for resolving disputes.
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NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organization
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|BNorth Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)|N

The NATO was founded in 1949 by the USA, Canada and ten European nations, as a defensive alliance against the Soviet Union. Accordingly it was the principal aim to support the security of its member countries by co-operation in the political, economic, and military field.
The USSR has gone, and the NATO is searching for a new identity: Right now the NATO-members perform their first "out of area"-mission, supervising the airspace over Bosnia and Herzegovina. So it seems as if the NATO might become kind of a "world police force" under the command of the United Nations. Moreover the NATO tries to engage in such fields as disarmament and cooperation with the former Soviet republics.
The NATO is structured as an alliance of members with equal rights, and important decisions can only be made unanimously. The highest authority of the NATO is the North Atlantic Council (NAC), where the foreign and defense ministers of the member countries meet if necessary. The first man of the organization is the Secretary General, at present Portuguese Javier Solana. He is chairman of the NAC and of the executive bodies DPC (Defense Planning Committee) and NPG (Nuclear Planning Group). Not all member countries belong to the military committees: France, Iceland and Spain are not militarily integrated, i.e. their national troops are not under the supreme command of the NATO.
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OAS - Organization of American States
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|BOrganization of American States (OAS)|N

The OAS was founded in 1948, in Bogota, Colombia. Nowadays all American countries except Cuba are member of the OAS.
Until the 1990s the organization's primary goal was to safeguard security and independence of the Western hemisphere's countries. The end of the cold war brought a new topic on top of the agenda: Supporting and protecting democracy in the American nations. OAS-sent personell has supervised more than 20 elections since 1989, and the "Santiago Commitment to Democracy and the Renewal of the Inter-American System" (1991) made clear that the member countries will propose sanctions against any putschists or elected governments endangering the democratic system of their country. The OAS did so in the cases of Haiti and Peru, and very successfully in Guatemala (May to June 1993).
In the past the USA have often used the OAS as a tool to bring forth their own interests, but in recent years presidents Bush and especially Clinton have shown their interest in a real co-operation on a basis of equal right with the other American nations. It seems as if the OAS might become an important forum for multi-lateral activities in the Americas in many more fields: Free trade, economic co-operation, fight against drugs, migration problems etc.
The seat of the OAS is Washington D.C., the most important authorities are: The General Assembly (annual and ad hoc meetings where general policy and action is discussed), the Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Council (that is in charge between assemblies and meetings), the Inter-American Economic and Social Council (CIES), the Inter-American Council for Education, Science and Culture (CIECC) and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). The General Secretariat is the working arm that carries out the programs and actions decided by the other authorities.
There also are some specialized sub-organizations like the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and some independent but closely collaborating entities like the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB).
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OAU - Organization of African Unity
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|BOrganization of African Unity (OAU)|N

The OAU was founded in 1963 by 30 African countries. Except Morocco (because of its annexion of the DAR Sahara) and the Republic of South Africa (apartheid), all independent African states are members of the OAU today.
The principal goal of the OAU is to support the unity and solidarity of the African nations. It fights against apartheid and neo-colonial structures. Another aim is the maintainance of the current territorial borders within Africa. Moreover the OAU supports the cultural and academic exchange of the African countries.
The most important authority of the OAU is the annual summit of the heads of states and governments, but its power and influence is limited, because the OAU wants to avoid any intervention into the internal affairs of its member countries. Secretary General with his seat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is Salim Ahmed Salim, since 1989.
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OECD - Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development
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|BOrganization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD)|N

The OECD was founded in 1960, as the successor organisation of the OEEC, that had coordinated the European Recovery Program (ERP) after World War II.
When reading the list of its members, it is quite obvious that the OECD is the top organization of the western industrial nations. Accordingly the principal aim is to coordinate and improve the economic co-operation of the member countries. Besides the OECD distributes some aid to developing countries.
The most important authorities of the OECD are the Council (of standing delegations or ministers), the executive committee, some committees of experts, and the secretary's office. The seat of the OECD is Paris, secretary general at present Jean-Claude Paye, a Frenchman.
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OPEC - Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries
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|BOrganization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)|N

The OPEC was founded by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi-Arabia and Venezuela in 1960.
The aim of the OPEC is the coordination of the petroleum policies of the 13 member nations, e.g. by fixing common prices for the oil produced by them. Until the seventies the OPEC members produced more than 50% of the world's petroleum, enabling them to cause two oil crises in 1973 and 1979, by increasing prices sharply. But usually the OPEC members do not agree on their production quotes and prices, and other countries have increased their oil production anyway; thus the influence of the OPEC has become less in recent years.
The most important decisions are made at the annual conference of the oil and finance ministers. Other authorities are the council of governors and the economic commission. The seat of the office is Vienna, Austria.
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OSCE - Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
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|BOrganization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)|N

The OSCE was founded |B01.08.1975|N by 35 countries by signing the final agreement of Helsinki. By now all European countries and the USA and Canada are members. Since 1992 it is a regional sub-organization of the UN.
The |Baim|N is stability and security in Europe. The final agreement contains priniples for the way of co-existence in Europe, like non-aggression, inviolability of the borders, human rights, etc.
|BAuthorities|N: The most important decisions are made at the biannual summit of the heads of states and governments. Moreover there is the council of the secretaries of state, the high committee in Prague, some other councils and offices, as well as the secretary in Vienna. Secretary general is until 1996 the German Wilhelm Höynck.
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UN - United Nations
1
|BUnited Nations Organization (UN, UNO)|N

Fifty states signed the "Charta of the United Nations" on June 26th, 1945. Nearly all countries have become members by now, except Switzerland, the Vatican, Taiwan and some tiny states.
As the successor organisation of the League of Nations, the United Nations' primary aim is to support good relations between the nations and to ensure world peace. Thus the UN often arbitrates when international crises occur. UN-peace troops ("blue hats") supervise armistices in many regions of the world, e.g. in Lebanon and Crotia. The gulf war was the first military mission the UN has supported since the Korea war; in all other cases they have tried to solve conflicts with peaceful means only.

The highest authorities of the UN have their seat in New York City, especially the |BSecurity Council|N (UNSC). Its decisions are valid for all member countries and include sanctioning or sending peace troops to a country. The Security Council consists of the representatives of 15 countries, 10 of them changing every second year. Permanent seats have the People's Republic of China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The |BGeneral Assembly|N consists of one representative for each member country. This authority has advisory functions: They can make recommendations to the Security Council. Executive is the |BSecretary General|N with its office:
1946-52 Trygve Lie (Norway)
1953-61 Dag Hammarskjöld (Sweden)
1961-71 Sithu U Thant (Myanmar/Burma)
1972-81 Kurt Waldheim (Austria)
1982-91 Javier Pérez de Cuèllar (Peru)
1992-.. Boutros Boutros-Ghali (Egypt)

The UN has several sub-organizations like the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR, Geneva) and the Children's Fund (UNICEF, New York). There are also several independent organizations that are closely linked to the UN, like the OSCE. The most important other ones include:
 - Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, Rome)
 - International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA, Vienna)
 - International Bank for Recovery and Development (IBRD, Washington D.C.)
 - International Monetary Fund (IMF, Washington D.C.)
 - United Nation's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO, Paris)
 - World Health Organization (WHO, Geneva)
 - World Trade Organization (WTO, successor of GATT, Geneva)
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WEU - Western European Union
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|BWestern European Union (WEU)|N

The WEU was founded in 1954 as a mutual assistance pact of the Western European countries. In contrary to the NATO it does not have its own military structure and thus is has not had any meaning for many years. In recent time the WEU seems to come back to life, since discussions about an intervention in the former Yugoslavia have started.
The highest authority is the Council of Ministers, that meets twice per year. Other bodies are the Standing Council (London), Agencies for Questions of Security (Paris) and some other committees. Secretary General is (since 1989) the Dutchman Willem van Eekelen.
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