On 4 February 2006, the Jordanian authorities arrested Mr al-Mu'mani and Mr Hashim al-Khalidi, the publishers of Mehwar, because the newspaper had published the cartoons of the prophet Mohammed which had first appeared in Jyllands-Posten in Denmark. On 12 February 2006 the publishers were released on bail, but they are shortly to appear in court.

In Algeria, the authorities have apparently closed down two daily newspapers, Panorama and Essafir, and arrested two publishers, Mr Kamel Bousaad and Mr Berkana Bouderbala, for publishing the same cartoons.

What will the Council do to ensure that Algeria and Jordan respect their obligations regarding human rights and democracy pursuant to their association agreements with the EU? What sanctions does the Council envisage imposing if these obligations are not complied with?