Text tabled : RC-B7-0123/2010

  Nikolaos Chountis (GUE/NGL), in writing. – (EL) I abstained, despite the fact that the motion for a resolution contains positive elements, because important amendments tabled by the Confederal Group of the European United Left – Nordic Green Left were voted down and, as a result, the content was inadequate. The European Union must support efforts by the UN to ensure that human rights are respected throughout the world. It must take centre stage in this sort of initiative, all the more so nowadays, when infringements tend to be the rule under autocratic regimes which engage in ‘capitalist violence’ in order to impose their antisocial policies. The European Union must re-examine its relations with the state of Israel, taking serious account of Israel’s military operations on Palestinian territory and of attacks on the rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to eventually acquire its own homeland. The European Union must resign from US ‘democracy export’ campaigns and create a framework for international relations with respect for the rules of international law and an enhanced role for the UN.