(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the proposal for a Council decision (COM(2008)0530),

–   having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ("the Convention"), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 13 December 2006,

–   having regard to Articles 13(1) and 300(2), first subparagraph, of the EC Treaty,

–   having regard to Article 300(3), first subparagraph, of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0116/2009),

–   having regard to Rules 51 and 83(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

–   having regard to the report of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and the opinion of the Committee on Women's rights and Gender Equality (A6-0229/2009),

1.  Approves conclusion of the Convention;

2.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.