MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

7.2.2007

to wind up the debate on statements by the Council and Commission
pursuant to Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure
by Bruno Gollnisch, Philip Claeys and Petre Popeangă
on behalf of the ITS Group
on Euro-Mediterranean relations

B6‑0041/2007

European Parliament resolution on Euro-Mediterranean relations

The European Parliament,

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

A.  whereas the situation in the Middle East has deteriorated, with, in particular:

• –a worsening of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,
• –the extension of the conflict to Lebanon in July 2006,
• –the escalation of the civil war between Palestinians supporting Fatah and those supporting Hamas,
• –a political stalemate in Lebanon between the opposition and the government formed following the free elections in 2005,

B.  whereas Islamist political movements are on the rise,

C.  condemning the persecution of Christian communities, particularly in Egypt,

D.  deploring Turkey's refusal to recognise Cyprus,

E.  whereas there has been little improvement in the economic situation in southern and eastern Mediterranean countries,

F.  whereas immigration from southern Mediterranean countries is a dramatic problem for European societies, whose identities are threatened, but also for the uprooted immigrants themselves and for their countries, which are losing part of their younger generation in this process,

1.  Noting the failure of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership formed as a result of the Barcelona Conference in 1995, the aim of which was to establish an area of peace and prosperity;

2.  Considers that lasting peace in the Middle East calls for secure, recognised borders for Israel, a state for the Palestinians and respect for Lebanese sovereignty;

3.  Proposes that a new form of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation be established, based not just on assistance but also on a genuine partnership that will create wealth and jobs in southern Mediterranean countries and thus enable their nationals to live and work in their home countries;

4.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission.