Syria's Assad must go, and Libya's resources must benefit all Libyans, say MEPs

MEPs called for a halt to the use of force against peaceful protesters in Syria, and said President Bashar al Assad should step down immediately, in a resolution passed on Thursday. In a separate resolution, also passed on Thursday, Parliament called on Libya's National Transitional Council to manage its national resources for the benefit of all Libyans.

The escalating use of force against peaceful protesters in Syria, including mass arrests, extrajudicial killings, torture and the brutal and systematic persecution of pro-democracy activists, human rights defenders and journalists were strongly condemned by MEPs.

Crackdowns must stop, Assad must step down

MEPs demanded an immediate halt to violent crackdowns against peaceful demonstrators, expressing their condolences to the victims' families and their solidarity with Syrian people fighting for their rights, whose courage and determination Parliament "commended".

Parliament called on President Bashar al Assad and his regime to relinquish power immediately, and demanded an independent, transparent and effective investigation into killings, arrests, and torture by the Syrian security forces, so as to bring the perpetrators to account.

Targeted sanctions

Parliament welcomed new EU measures against the Syrian regime, including a ban on crude oil imports from Syria to the EU. However, MEPs insisted that further sanctions should target the regime and avoid worsening the living conditions of the people.

MEPs urged UN Security Council members, and in particular Russia and China, to condemn the use of lethal force in Syria and to impose sanctions should the regime fail to put an end to violence.

Finally, MEPs welcomed the humanitarian assistance provided to Syrian refugees by neighbouring countries, in particular Turkey.

On developments in Syria, President Jerzy Buzek said: "We cannot allow the Syrian regime  to continue killing the Syrian people. Authorities in Damascus have lost all remaining legitimacy and must step aside immediately. I hope the Syrian opposition will unite and offer a credible alternative for a political transition. We Europeans must assume our responsibility to protect civilians and our responsibility to protect democracy."

Unified, democratic Libya

In a separate resolution, also passed on Thursday, MEPs congratulated the Libyan people on their courage and determination, and welcomed the fall of the 42-year autocratic regime of Muammar Gaddafi.

Parliament expressed full support for the National Transitional Council (NTC), and urged the EU to assist the new Libyan authorities in building a unified, democratic and pluralist Libya that guarantees human rights and fundamental freedoms.

MEPs called on EU Member States to seek UN Security Council authorisation to release frozen Libyan assets to help the NTC to deliver the governance Libya needs.

Parliament also called for an effective and credible common EU strategy for Libya, and asked Member States to refrain from taking unilateral actions or initiatives that might weaken it.

Gaddafi must be brought to justice

MEPs urged all countries, and especially Libya's neighbours, to co-operate with the NTC and the International Criminal Court, to ensure that Gaddafi and his inner circle are brought to justice.

Demobilise fighters, protect sub-Saharan migrants

EU assistance is needed in reforming the Libyan police and armed forces, as well as disarming, demobilising and reintegrating former combatants, said the resolution.

Parliament urged the NTC to protect the rights of minority and vulnerable groups, including thousands of sub-Saharan African migrants who face harassment solely due to their skin colour.

Manage natural resources for all

Finally, MEPs stressed that the NTC should impose high standards of transparency in domestic strategic economic sectors, so as to ensure that Libya's natural resources benefit the whole population”.