MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

7 March 2005

Pursuant to Rule 115 of the Rules of Procedure
by Mrs Angelilli and Mrs Muscardini
on behalf of the UEN Group
on Saudi Arabia

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B6-0189/2005

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

B6-0189/2005

European parliament resolution on Saudi Arabia

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on Saudi Arabia,

- having regard to the local elections held on 10 February 2005;

A.  Concerned by the exclusion of women from these elections, since this is also contrary to the electoral law in Saudi Arabia;

B.  Alarmed by the discrimination and restriction in the freedom of expression suffered by women in Saudi Arabia;

C.  Concerned by the degrading working conditions often faced by migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, in particular by women;

1.  Strongly condemns the segregation suffered by women in Saudi Arabia;

2.  Calls on the Saudi Arabian Authorities to make comprehensive reforms, starting with the creation of democratic institutions, and to establish freedom of expression, association and assembly, gender equality and the recognition of social and workers' rights;

3.  Calls on the Saudi Arabian government to grant all citizens' rights to women, including the right to vote;

4.  Welcomes the establishment of a national human rights commission, and calls for it to be independent;

5.  Underlines the importance of countering terrorism and fundamentalism whilst safeguarding basic human rights and civil liberties;

6.  Urges the EU institutions to increase their presence in the region and strengthen working relations with Saudi Arabia;

7.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to Prince Abdullah, the Saudi Arabian government, the Secretary General of the national dialogue of Saudi Arabia, the EU Council, the Commission, the governments of the EU Member States and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.