Motion for a resolution - B6-0537/2006Motion for a resolution
B6-0537/2006

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

23.10.2006

to wind up the debate on statements by the Council and Commission
pursuant to Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure
by Vittorio Agnoletto
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group
on the situation in South Ossetia

Procedure : 2006/2646(RSP)
Document stages in plenary
Document selected :  
B6-0537/2006

B6‑0537/2006

European Parliament resolution on the situation in South Ossetia

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia, in particular that of 14 October 2004,

–  having regard to its resolution of 19 January 2006 on the European Neighbourhood Policy,

–  having regard to its recommendation to the Council of 26 February 2004 on EU policy towards the South Caucasus,

–  having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part, which entered into force in 1999,

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

A.  deeply worried about the diplomatic crisis between Georgia and Russia following the recent arrest by the Georgian police on suspicion of espionage of four military officers from the Russian Defence Ministry’s main intelligence department (GRU), who were subsequently handed over to the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE,

B.  whereas in response Russia recalled its ambassador to Tbilisi, froze all transport and postal communications and imposed other sanctions on Georgia,

C.  whereas, following a decision by the South Ossetian leadership, a referendum on self-determination will be held together with presidential elections on 12 November 2006,

D.  whereas the situation in South Ossetia is deteriorating, with incidents and clashes between Georgian and Ossetian forces and police units in recent months having resulted in deaths and injuries,

E.  whereas the Government and Parliament of Georgia have strongly questioned the existing format of the negotiating process stemming from the ceasefire agreement of 1992, and whereas the Joint Control Commission (JCC) has been unable to achieve significant results,

F.  concerned at the fact that Georgia’s military budget last year increased faster in proportional terms than any other country’s in the world and will this year amount to more than 15% of the state budget,

G.  whereas, owing to its geographical location and oil resources, the Caucasus region is of increasing importance for peace and international security,

H.  whereas all the international players involved, particularly Russia and the United States, have a responsibility for security and stability in the region and to prevent the spread of instability from neighbouring regions,

1.  Expresses its serious concern at the recent deterioration in relations between Russia and Georgia and urges both parties to refrain from unilateral actions and to find a constructive approach to the solution of the existing problems;

2.  Stresses the need for a constructive exchange of views between interested parties in the region on possible additional efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement in South Ossetia, and calls for an enhanced and more effective approach, especially from the OSCE, to bring the parties back to the negotiating table;

3.  Calls on both parties to sign the joint document on refraining from the use of force and on security guarantees and to engage in constructive negotiations in order to overcome the current stalemate;

4.  Takes note of Russia’s decision to complete the withdrawal of its military hardware from its bases in Georgia and expects those bases to close by 2008, as previously agreed;

5.  Takes the view that the full demilitarisation of and a reduction in the number of weapons in the conflict zone is a fundamental element of conflict prevention and an essential step towards further confidence-building measures;

6.  Expresses its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia, but points out that only a political solution acceptable to the majority of the people in a region affected by conflict can ensure lasting peace and stability;

7.  Calls on the Council to make every possible effort to help solve the current diplomatic crisis between Georgia and the Russian Federation;

8.  Calls on the Council and the Commission to include the question of this conflict and its resolution on the agenda for the next EU-Russia summits;

9.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Secretary-General of the OSCE, the President and Parliament of Georgia, the Russian Federation and the de facto authorities in South Ossetia.