A/62/306 special procedures and the general increase in racism and xenophobia in the countries of the European Union, the Special Rapporteur underlined the importance of cooperation between the special procedures and regional mechanisms to maximize the impact of initiatives designed to promote and protect human rights. In that regard, he informed the delegation of his cooperation with EUMC and of his intention to increase such cooperation with the new European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights in the future. He also drew the attention of the parliamentarians to a forgotten issue in European construction that is a source of the resurgence of racism and xenophobia: the recognition and promotion of a new European identity expressing the deep-seated ethnic, cultural and religious multiculturalism of their national societies. He sincerely hopes to increase his cooperation with the relevant European institutions, particularly the European Parliament. 67. The Special Rapporteur also wishes to emphasize the high quality of the cooperation that was initiated several years ago with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). This cooperation was strengthened by his participation in the conference held in Bucharest (see para. 42 above). 68. Finally, within the framework of regional cooperation with civil society organizations, the Special Rapporteur would particularly like to applaud the mobilization and the dynamism of the European Network Against Racism (ENAR), a network comprising more than 600 non-governmental organizations whose objectives are to combat discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity and culture; to eliminate any racist elements from migration policies in Europe; and to promote ethnic, cultural and religious diversity in the State members of the European Union. On the occasion of the Strategic Congress held in Berlin from 20 to 22 April 2007, the Special Rapporteur took part in a sessions on the challenges of a multi-ethnic Europe and directions for anti-racism in the twenty-first century. While welcoming and encouraging the commitment and the vigilance of ENAR, which reflect the central role of civil society in combating racism, he proposes to strengthen his cooperation with this network, particularly in terms of organizing programmes with civil society during visits to European Union countries. V. Conclusions and recommendations 69. The General Assembly is invited to: (a) Draw the attention of Member States to the alarming signs of a retreat in the struggle against racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia as a result of two serious developments: the growing acceptance of racism and xenophobia through the impact of racist and xenophobic platforms on the political programmes of democratic parties and the rise in racist political violence; (b) Remind Member States of the central importance of political will in efforts to combat racism and xenophobia; (c) Draw the attention of Member States to the importance of promoting and implementing the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, particularly within the framework of the preparations for the Durban Review Conference to be held in 2009; 20 07-49048