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 Miguel Portas and Luisa Morgantini
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group
on the situation in Lebanon

B6‑0183/05

European Parliament resolution on the situation in 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 United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 of 2 September 2004, and all other Security Council resolutions on the Middle-East peace process, notably Resolution 425,

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

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

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

B.  whereas the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, has decided to send a commission of inquiry to look into ‘the circumstances, causes and effects’ of Mr Hariri’s death, as called for by the Lebanese Democratic Movement, and whereas the Lebanese Government has declared itself ready to cooperate to that end,

C.  welcoming the recent democratic mobilisation of Lebanese society in support of democracy, respect for the country’s sovereignty and human rights,

D.  noting the resignation of the government of Omar Karami in Beirut, which is liable to facilitate a peaceful political dialogue between Lebanese society and the country’s legitimate institutions,

E.  recalling the destruction wrought in Lebanon by the long and terrible civil war and recalling the 1989 Taif Agreement,

F.  recalling that this crisis is manifesting itself once again in a region destabilised by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and that a solution to that conflict – requiring the principles set out in United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 to be applied – is likely to normalise relations between all the countries in the region,

1.  Strongly condemns the attack which claimed the lives of the former Lebanese Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri, and of other innocent civilians; expresses its most profound indignation at this barbaric act and offers its deepest condolences to the families of Mr Hariri and of the other victims;

2.  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; calls on the Lebanese authorities to continue to provide full cooperation to the UN’s commission of inquiry;

3.  Hopes that this assassination and the resignation of the government will not undermine the election process in Lebanon and stresses the importance of holding democratic and transparent legislative elections in this country; reiterates its call for a European Parliament and European Union observer mission to be set up to monitor the legislative elections in Lebanon;

4.  Underlines the importance of implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559, which reaffirms the international community’s commitment to Lebanon’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, and calls for the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon in line with Security Council resolutions; notes the announcement concerning a first redeployment of Syrian troops;

5.  Calls on Syria not to tolerate terrorism in any form and to refrain from any interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs;

6.  Recalls that United Nations Security Council Resolution 425 calls for the total withdrawal of foreign troops from Lebanon, irrespective of their origin, and for Lebanon’s political and territorial sovereignty to be respected;

7.  Calls for the Syria-Lebanon element of the Middle-East peace process to be relaunched, which will require, in particular, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Golan and the signing of separate peace agreements between Israel, Lebanon and Syria;

8.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission and to the Government and Parliament of Lebanon.