MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

24.4.2007

with request for inclusion in the agenda for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 115 of the Rules of Procedure
by Brian Crowley, Gintaras Didžiokas
on behalf of the UEN Group
on the case of Alan Johnston, a BBC journalist who was kidnapped in Gaza on 12 April 2007

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

B6‑0159/2007

European Parliament resolution on the case of Alan Johnston, a BBC journalist who was kidnapped in Gaza on 12 April 2007

The European Parliament,

-  having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas Alan Johnston, a journalist working for the BBC, was kidnapped on his way back to his home in Gaza on 12 April 2007,

B.  whereas Alan Johnston had worked as the BBC correspondent based in Gaza for the past three years,

C.  whereas it is recognised that Alan Johnston has a deep affection for the Palestinian people,

D.  whereas no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction of Alan Johnston to date,

E.  whereas the abduction of Alan Johnston has been rightly condemned by the Palestinian President Mamhoud Abbas and by the Palestinian Prime Minister Ismael Haniyeh,

1.  Calls on those who have abducted Alan Johnston to release him immediately;

2.   Calls on the Palestinian Authority and the wider international community to re-double their efforts so as to ensure the safe release of Alan Johnston;

3.  Commends the courage of journalists who continue to work in very dangerous and hostile conditions;

4.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EU Heads of Government, the EU Commissioner for External Relations, the President of the Palestinian Authority, the Palestinian Legislative Council and the Secretary General of the United Nations.