MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
14.3.2006
pursuant to Rule 115 of the Rules of Procedure
by Erik Meijer, Helmuth Markov and André Brie,
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group
on human rights in Moldova, in particular in Transnistria
B6‑0180/2006
European Parliament resolution on human rights in Moldova, in particular in Transnistria
The European Parliament,
– having regard to its previous resolutions on the situation in Moldova, in particular its resolutions of 18 December 2003 and 21 February 2005,
– having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Moldova and the European Union (EU) which was signed on 28 November 1994 and entered into force on 1 July 1998,
– having regard to the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan for Moldova adopted on 22 February 2005
– having regard to interim resolution adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 1 March 2006 concerning the judgement of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) of 8 July 2004 in the case of Ilascu and others against Moldova and the Russian federation,
– having regard to the statements of OSCE Summit in Istanbul of 1999 and the OSCE Ministerial Council in Oporto 2002,
– having regard to Rule 115 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas it is a key objective of the EU to improve cooperation with neighbouring countries aiming at a stable, secure and prosperous neighbourhood,
B. whereas the European Union recognises Moldova's historical, cultural and economic ties with the EU and its Member States, while bearing in mind the important role of Russia and Ukraine in the region,
C. whereas future relations should be based on the respect for human rights and rule of law,
D. whereas the conflict between separatist region of Transnistria and central government in Moldova, which is the closest geographically to the EU, has largely contributed to the instability of the whole country,
E. whereas the implementation of judicial reforms, combating corruption and strengthening the respect of human rights in Moldova need continuing improvement,
F. whereas there are concerns about the security situation in the region of Transnistria, notably the existence of criminal activities, such as trafficking in arms, people, organised crime, money-laundering and smuggling,
G. whereas the Moldovan authorities are not complying with the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights requiring an end to the detention of two members of the so-called Ilascu Group,
1. Expresses its support for efforts to find a peaceful settlement to the Transnistrian conflict, in line with the Istanbul OSCE Summit conclusions of 1999, based on negotiations and dialogue, urges the government of the Russian Federation to refrain from unilateral interference in Moldova's internal affairs, but to closely cooperate in the framework of the OSCE and the Council of Europe in order to establish a stable and peaceful development of all countries in the region,
2. Expresses its strong and continuing support for the efforts of Moldovan authorities to successfully implement the Action Plan as a part of the European Neighbourhood Policy,
3. Calls on the Moldovan authorities to take actions in the field of human rights, combating corruption, the implementation of justice reforms while ensuring freedom of the media and a stronger role for civil society,
4. Calls on the Moldovan authorities to comply with the ruling from the European Court of Human Rights and secure the release of those two prisoners,
5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission and the Council and to the government and Parliament of Moldova and the government of the Russian Federation.