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 Anna Elzbieta Fotyga, Adriana Poli Bortone, Konrad Szymański and Sebastiano (Nello) Musumeci
on behalf of the UEN Group
on the current situation in Lebanon

B6‑0175/2005

European Parliament resolution on the current situation in Lebanon

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to its previous resolutions on Euro-Mediterranean relations,

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

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

A.  deeply shocked at the fatal bombing in which former Prime Minister of Lebanon Rafik Hariri died on 14 February 2005,

B.   whereas Rafik Hariri was one of the most influential politicians and one of the most devoted to the reconciliation process in Lebanon and a strong supporter of the withdrawal of foreign troops from his country,

C.   whereas thousands of protesters called for the withdrawal of the Syrian army from Lebanon and for the resignation of the government of Omar Karami,

D.   whereas Prime Minister Karami stepped down out of respect for the will of the Lebanese people on 28 February 2005,

E.   whereas the UN Secretary General has sent a team to Lebanon to investigate the circumstances of Mr Hariri's death,

F.   whereas Lebanon is a country with strong historical, cultural and economic links to Europe, an important partner of the European Union in the Middle East and a participant in the European Neighbourhood Policy,

G.   whereas parliamentary elections will take place in Lebanon in April this year,

H.   recognising the will of the Lebanese people to determine their political future,

I.   stressing that Lebanon needs a legitimate democratic government,

J.   having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 1559 calling for Syrian troops to withdraw from Lebanese territory,

K.   whereas 15 000 Syrian troops are still present on the territory of Lebanon,

1.   Expresses its condolences to the family of Rafik Hariri and all Lebanese people who are saddened by his death;

2.   Expresses its solidarity with the Lebanese people and supports their efforts to establish a democratic government and to live in a fully independent country;

3.   Calls on the Lebanese Government to investigate the circumstances of the bombing and to provide all possible assistance to the investigation team sent by the UN Secretary General;

4.   Calls on the Government of Syria to withdraw its troops from the territory of Lebanon in compliance with UN Resolution 1559 and refrain from any interference in the electoral process in Lebanon;

5.   Urges the Council to suspend the negotiations on the Association Agreement with Syria and to make military withdrawal one of the main preconditions for the agreement;

6.   Calls on the Government of Lebanon and all political forces to guarantee free and fair elections in compliance with international democratic standards;

7.   Calls on European public opinion and politicians to give their utmost attention and support to the democratic process in Lebanon;

8.   Urges the Council and the Commission to watch the situation in Lebanon very closely and to send a long-term election observation mission to Lebanon for the forthcoming general elections;

9.   Urges the Commission to finalise the action plan for Lebanon, ensuring that it addresses properly all questions concerning political stability and consolidation of democracy, and accelerate the reconstruction process;

10.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Governments of Lebanon and Syria and the UN Secretary General.