MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

2.3.2005

to wind up the debate on statements by the Council and Commission
pursuant to Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure
by Philippe Morillon
on behalf of the ALDE Group
on Lebanon

B6‑0151/2005

European Parliament resolution on Lebanon

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2003 on the conclusion of an Association Agreement with the Republic of Lebanon,

–  having regard to its resolution of 23 February 2005 on the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership,

–  having regard to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 of 2 September 2004,

–  having regard to the statement made by the President of the United Nations Security Council on 15 February 2005,

–  having regard to the conclusions of the Council of 21 February 2005,

–  having regard to the forthcoming legislative elections in Lebanon in May 2005,

–  noting the resignation of the government of Omar Karami on 28 February 2005,

–  having regard to the statement by President Basher al-Assad announcing that Syria may withdraw its troops from Lebanon in the coming months,

–  having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  having regard to the despicable attack in Beirut on 14 February 2005 which claimed the lives of the former Lebanese Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri, and of 14 other innocent civilians,

B.  whereas this tragic event is an attack on the democratic principles cherished by Lebanon and the European Union,

C.  whereas the entire Lebanese opposition has published a statement calling for an international inquiry into the circumstances of Mr Hariri’s assassination, and whereas that demand has been echoed by several members of the international community,

D.  whereas UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has decided to send a commission of inquiry to look into ‘the circumstances, causes and effects’ of the death of the former Lebanese Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri,

E.  welcoming and supporting the mobilisation of Lebanese society and its peaceful demonstrations in support of democracy, respect for the country’s national sovereignty and human rights,

1.  Strongly condemns the despicable bombing in Beirut on 14 February 2005 which killed the former Lebanese Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri, and 14 other innocent civilians;

2.  Expresses its horror and indignation at this barbaric act and offers its deepest condolences to the families of Mr Hariri and of the 14 other victims;

3.  Hopes that, in accordance with the statement made by the President of the United Nations Security Council on 15 February, the causes, circumstances and consequences of this attack will be investigated from every angle, and hopes that the Lebanese authorities will cooperate fully with the UN’s commission of inquiry;

4.  Hopes that this crime will not undermine the election process in Lebanon, and stresses the importance of holding democratic and transparent legislative elections in the country;

5.  Reiterates its call for consideration to be given to a European Union observer mission to monitor the legislative elections in Lebanon, and calls on the Commission to act proactively in this regard;

6.  Calls on the Commission to initiate immediate cooperation in this area by supporting civil society and independent NGOs through the MEDA programme and the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights;

7.  Stresses the importance of implementing Resolution 1559, which reaffirms the international community’s commitment to Lebanon’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, urges Syria not to tolerate terrorism in any form, including support for the military wing of Hezbollah, and to refrain from any interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, calls for the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, and will deem this to be a key condition in assessing, in due course, the signing of the association agreement;

8.  Stresses the importance of free, democratic and transparent legislative elections in Lebanon and of the withdrawal of Syrian troops from the country ahead of the elections scheduled for May 2005;

9.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission, the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Government and Parliament of Lebanon.