MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

23.10.2007

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 Luisa Morgantini, Vittorio Agnoletto
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group
on Pakistan

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

B6‑0414/2007

European Parliament resolution on Pakistan

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to its previous resolutions on Pakistan, in particular its resolution of 12 July 2007,

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

A.  whereas Benazir Bhutto, the President of the Pakistan People's Party has returned to Pakistan on 18 October 2007; whereas Mrs. Bhutto's return to Karachi was marked by a horrific bomb attack which resulted in the deaths of more than 130 people and the wounding of many more,

B.  whereas an attempt by Nawas Sharif, President of the Pakistan Moslem League, to return to Pakistan failed, as he was forced to leave the country immediately upon his arrival,

C.  whereas the parliamentary term ends on 15 November 2007 and general elections have been announced in Pakistan for mid January 2008,

D.  whereas the re-election of President Musharraf as President of Pakistan on 6 October 2007 has been boycotted by all opposition parties in the Parliament,

E.  whereas the Supreme Court of Pakistan has resumed on 17 October 2007 a hearing on the question whether the election of President Musharraf is in conformity with the constitution and is expected to pronounce its sentence in the coming days,

1.  Extends its deepest sympathy to the people of Pakistan and especially to the families of all those killed and injured in this despicable act;

2.  Reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Pakistan who share the objectives of democratic governance and transparent, accountable rule and who act with courage and determination in the face of terrorist and criminal violence;

3.  Asks the Government of Pakistan to allow for the return of all political leaders who can weigh in to lessen the extremist forces in the country and contribute to establishing la legitimate government through free and fair elections, to replace the current military dictatorship;

4.  Urges the Government to accept and implement the Supreme Court's directive to end the disappearances of political opponents;

5.  Encourages President Musharraf again to relinquish his post of army chief, which he has previously agreed to do on several occasions;

6.  Urges the Government again to limit the role and influence of the military and other armed groups and to return power to the democratic institutions;   

7.   Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Government of Pakistan.