The Council of European parliaments granted the Palestinian National Council the coveted "Partner for Democracy " status that allows Palestinian elected representatives to speak before assemblies and committees but no vote. A statement released by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) said the PNC pledges to pursue the values upheld by the Council of Europe, hold fair elections and work towards abolishing the death penalty. PACE called on Palestinian National Council to refrain from violence, reject terrorism, recognize the right of Israel to exist and free Gilad Shalit.