2004 2009
Session document
12.12.2006 B6-0649/06
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
with request for inclusion in the agenda for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 115 of the Rules of Procedure
by Nirj Deva, Geoffrey van Orden, Bernd Posselt and Charles Tannock
on behalf of the PPE-DE Group
on the coup-d'état in Fiji
RE\P6_B(2006)0649_EN.doc PE 382.910v0 EN EN B6-0649/06
European Parliament resolution on the coup-d'état in Fiji
The European Parliament,
– having regard to the EU Presidency Declaration on behalf of the European Union of 26 October 2006 on the deterioration of the political situation in Fiji,
– having regard to the EU Presidency Statement of 27 November 2006 on the situation in Fiji,
– having regard to the EU Presidency Statement of 5 December 2006 on the military coup in Fiji,
– having regard to the statement of 5 December 2006 by the UN Secretary-General on military's seizure of power in Fiji,
– having regard to the declaration by the High Commissioner for human rights of 6 December 2006,
– having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas Commodore Bainimarama overthrew the democratically elected Government of Fiji with the coup d'état of 5 December 2006 showing contempt for the Fijian constitution and for the rule of law, for the people of Fiji and Fiji's traditional institutions,
B. whereas two military coups d'état took place in May and September 1987 led by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka and indigenous Fijians,
C. whereas on 19 May 2000 an armed group took the first ethnic Indian Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry, and several Members of Parliament hostage for several weeks,
D. whereas development co-operation between Fiji and the European Union dates back to 1975,
E. whereas respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law constitute an essential element of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement which governs relations between ACP States and the European Union,
F. whereas under the 9th European Development Fund, more than EUR 22 million were allocated to Fiji as non-humanitarian aid,
G. whereas the Commonwealth has suspended Fiji's membership in protest at its recent military coup,
PE 382.910v0 2/3 RE\P6_B(2006)0649_EN.doc EN 1. Strongly condemns the take-over of executive powers from the democratically elected government of Fiji by the Fijian military forces and reiterates its strongest possible opposition to actions that undermine the democratic process in Fiji;
2. Recalls that Fiji held general elections in May 2006, which were deemed credible by international observers, including notably a substantial European Union Election Observation Mission;
3. Notes that the coalition government formed by Prime Minister Qarase following the elections has full democratic legitimacy as well as a very large majority in Parliament;
4. Strongly believes that in a democracy, the military must be subordinate to the elected civilian leadership;
5. Demands that the military forces stand back and give way to the democratically elected political government of Prime Minister Qarase;
6. Considers that the forcible and unconstitutional replacement of Fiji's freely-elected Government raises serious concerns regarding the country's ability to guarantee human rights;
7. Believes that a lasting resolution of the current political crisis can only be achieved through peaceful means and inclusive dialogue;
8. Requests pressures and penalties on Fiji from Pacific Forum countries, including Australia and New Zealand, and other regional and international actors in order to achieve political stability through the resolution of the conflict;
9. Calls on the Pacific Islands Forum to suspend Fiji's membership;
10. Calls on the Commission and Member States to immediately cease all non-humanitarian aid to Fiji, as specified in Article 96 of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement;
11. Calls on the European Union to place an immediate travel ban in order to prevent Members of the military forces, their families or any person linked to the coup d'état of Fiji from entering the Member States of the European Union;
12. Calls on the Commission to initiate an official, long term, European Union educational programme with the travel agents whereby tourists are made aware of recent military coup d'état whilst choosing their travel destinations and are warned of the potential dangers in Fiji, till the resolution of the situation;
13. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, the Government of the United States, the World Tourism Authority, the Government of Australia, the Government of New Zealand and the Governments of the Pacific Islands Forum countries.
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