MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION , 5 September 2006 (B6‑0490/06)

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 Tobias Pfluger on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group

on Sri Lanka

European Parliament resolution on Sri Lanka B6‑0490/06

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Sri Lanka(1),

- having regard to Articles 22 and 25 of the Hague Convention concerning the attacks on undefended civilians, towns, villages and buildings,

– having regard to the ceasefire agreement signed between the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which entered into force on 23 February 2002,

- having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas internal conflict has been going on in Sri Lanka for over 20 years,

B. whereas on 7 August 2006 17 local staff of the aid agency Action Contre La Faim, the majority of which were Tamils, were murdered in their compound in the north-eastern town of Mutur,

C. whereas the Nordic Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) on Wednesday 30 August 2006 formally accused the security forces of the government of Sri Lanka of being behind the execution-style murders; whereas this claim is refuted by the Sri Lankan government,

D. whereas the Monitoring Mission (SLMM) has stated that the Sri Lankan authorities have obstructed their efforts to investigate the case; whereas the Sri Lankan government has called on an Australian forensic expert to participate in the investigation,

E. whereas the continued fighting in the northern Jaffna peninsula as well as causing many deaths and injuries, has also left residents with dwindling supplies of food and water and has made it difficult for them to go to safe areas, while there has been little or no electricity or fuel,

F. whereas the Finnish Foreign Minister has voiced his concern that Sri Lanka is "on the edge of a renewal of the civil war." and the truce monitors say the ceasefire still exists on paper, but it is effectively dead on the ground as the fighting continues,

G. whereas the LTTE also bears responsibility for the continuation of the hostilities,

H. whereas the European Union has formally listed the LTTE as a terrorist organisation, which has prompted the LTTE to declare that it refuses to guarantee the safety of EU troops and to demand their departure by 1 September 2006; whereas this has prompted the further escalation of hostilities

I. whereas the outgoing SLMM head, General Ulf Henricsson on 24 August 2006 criticised the EU for imposing the ban on the LTTE,

J. whereas the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE held talks in Switzerland in April 2006 with a view to reinforcing the Ceasefire Agreement concluded in February 2002 and to improving its implementation,

K. whereas on 20April 2006 the LTTE withdrew from the peace talks indefinitely, citing the Sri Lankan Government’s refusal to disarm armed groups in government controlled areas as well as the failure to provide safe transport and passage for the Tamil leaders involved in the peace talks,

L. whereas expectations are high that the end of the military conflict could improve the problematic human rights situation in Sri Lanka,

M. whereas the level of military expenditure is seriously damaging the country’s opportunities for development,

N. having regard to the serious structural, economic and social problems of the areas where the majority of the population are Tamils, and the resultant misery,

1. Expresses its concern and regret at the murders of the aid workers that occurred on 7 August 2006 and calls for a full, independent and impartial investigation; welcomes the decision to allow an Australian forensic expert to participate in the investigation and urges the government to allow him to present his findings to an independent commission; calls on the government of Sri Lanka to bring to justice those responsible for the killings;

2. Is worried about the increasing threats, harassment and violence against local and international aid organisations, hindering their ability to assist the population;

3. Regrets that government officials and various political parties have contributed to an atmosphere of hostility against NGOs through politically motivated criticism of aid agencies for delays in projects for the victims of the 2004 Tsunami;

4. Calls on the government to guarantee the safety of all aid workers; reiterates the urgent need to restore and safeguard humanitarian operations in order to ensure effective access to the delivery of services and the monitoring of assistance programmes;

5. Reaffirms the importance of urgent humanitarian and rehabilitation assistance in the north and the east;

6. Expresses its concern at the continuing and escalating violence in Sri Lanka that is obstructing the peace-process, violating the 2002 Ceasefire and threatening any possible attempts to promote and establish peace on the island;

7. Rejects the use of violence against civilians as an instrument for political struggles;

8. Stresses the importance and urgent need to respect human rights by all sides, to protect vulnerable populations and end attacks on civilians;

9. Is concerned by the breakdown of peace talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE; stresses that the implementation of the current Ceasefire Agreement is essential for any progress towards a political solution and a lasting peace;

10. Urges both parties to end violence and return to the negotiating table; expresses its hope that the continuation of peace talks will help stabilize the situation in Sri Lanka and lead to a peaceful solution of the conflict based on the respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law, securing the interests of all people and communities within a united Sri Lanka;

11. Believes that dialogue with LTTE rather than isolating it can better contribute to advancing the peace talks; points out its opposition to the whole EU procedure of establishing a terrorist list including the LTTE;

12. Stresses the importance of the confidence-building measures aimed at national reconciliation, including the reunification of families separated by the years of conflict and an improvement of security conditions across the whole country for the benefit of everyone; underlines particularly the importance of the measures concerning the freedom of movement of persons and all non-military goods, especially food and medicine, throughout the island;

13. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the President and Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

(1) OJ C 59, 23.2.2001, p. 278.
Last updated: 5 September 2006