The European Parliament,

A.  whereas, on 30 December 2005, the Egyptian security forces evacuated by force about 1500 Sudanese migrants and refugees who were settled in Moustafa Mahmoud Square in front of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Office in the Mohandessin area of Cairo,

B.  whereas these migrants and refugees had been asking to be relocated to third countries since 29 September 2005,

C.  whereas at least 27 individuals were reportedly killed and many others were injured following the Egyptian Security Forces' attack,

D.  whereas on Thursday 5 January 2006the UN Refugee Agency staff began interviewing more than 600 Sudanese who have been held in three detention centres on the outskirts of Cairo,

E.  whereas the Egyptian authorities, who have announced their intention to deport some of the Sudanese, gave UNHCR three days to assess the legal status of the detainees and their possible need for international protection,

F.  whereas the Republic of Egypt is party to the Convention relating to the status of refugees ratified in 1981 and whereas the rights of refugees are guaranteed by the Egyptian Constitution,

G.  whereas the use of force by state security forces is governed by international standards notably the UN Code of Conduct for law enforcement officials which states that "law enforcement officials may use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty",

H.  concerned over the situation of human rights and the lack of democratic reforms in Egypt,

1.  Expresses its deep shock and sadness over the violent confrontation which took place in Cairo on 30 December 2005 between Egyptian police and Sudanese migrants and refugees and which left several people dead or injured;

2.  Is deeply concerned at the violence used by the Egyptian security forces which caused the death of 27 persons amongst Sudanese migrants and refugees gathered in front of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' Office in the Mohandessin area of Cairo;

3.  Urges the Egyptian authorities to open an investigation into the serious incidents which occurred on 30 December 2005 and to ensure that the perpetrators of the acts of violence will be brought to justice;

4.  Calls on the Egyptian authorities to ensure that police officers act in compliance with international standards and put an end to the disproportionate use of force;

5.  Calls on the Egyptian authorities to guarantee in all circumstances the physical and psychological integrity of all migrants and refugees, as required by the 1951 Geneva Convention which Egypt has ratified;

6.  Calls on the Council and the Commission to assist the work of UNHCR in Cairo in order to maintain a constant dialogue with the Egyptian authorities emphasising that the situation of the Sudanese migrants and refugees needs to be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the 1951 Geneva Convention and international humanitarian laws;

7.  Urges the Egyptian authorities not to undermine the prospects recently opened up with regard, in particular, to multi-candidate presidential elections, and to press ahead with democratic reforms; expresses its deep concern, in this regard, to the conviction of Ayman Nour, a prominent liberal opposition leader, who has been recently sentenced to five years' hard labour by an Egyptian court for supposedly forging signatures on petitions used to create his political party; takes the view that this is a serious step back and calls on the Egyptian authorities to make every effort to ensure that this case is correctly dealt with;

8.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Secretary General of the United Nations, the Secretary General of the UNHCR and the Government and Parliament of the Republic of Egypt.