MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
10.3.2009
pursuant to Rule 115 of the Rules of Procedure
by Marios Matsakis, Jules Maaten, Marielle De Sarnez
on behalf of the ALDE Group
on the Philippines
See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B6-0121/2009
B6‑0124/2009
European Parliament resolution on the Philippines
The European Parliament,
- -having regard to European Parliament resolution of 26 April 2007 on the human rights situation in the Philippines,
– having regard to its previous resolutions on the Philippines,
– having regard to the Declaration by the Presidency of the EU concerning the situation in Mindanao of 15 September 2008,
– having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,
- A.reaffirming its resolutions of 18 July 1997 and 14 January 1999 on the Philippines supporting peace negotiations,
- B.whereas several armed groups have been battling government troops in the south of the country since 1969, one of Africa's longest-running insurgencies,
- C.whereas the conflict between government troops and Maoist insurgents has claimed more than 120.000 lives and sporadic violence has continued despite a 2003 ceasefire and peace talks,
- D.whereas, since 2001, hundreds of members of left-wing political parties, human rights activists, journalists and outspoken clergy have been killed or abducted in the Philippines and most of the perpetrators of the extrajudicial killings still enjoy impunity,
- E.whereas the NPA (New People's Army), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has diversified its attacks following an order by president Gloria Arroyo to crush their 40-year Maoist insurgency by next year,
- F.whereas Ernesto Rollin, a radio journalist, was shot dead by two gunmen last week,
- G.whereas running battles have resulted in the deaths at least 11 rebels in the restive south and five soldiers in Bukidnon province,
1. Strongly believes that the conflict in Mindanao can only be resolved through dialogue and calls upon all parties to show restraint and genuine respect for the rule of law;
2. Urges the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines to comply with their bilateral agreements and accelerate the progress of their peace negotiations in Europe;
3. Welcomes the Royal Norwegian Government's steadfastly acting as party facilitator and supports all the bilateral agreements of the GRP and NDFP and all confidence-building measures that they have agreed in order to lay the ground for a lasting peace;
4. Calls on all parties to adhere to and apply the principles and instruments of respect for human rights and international humanitarian law and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law;
5. Expresses its solidarity with the Filipino people and their aspirations for justice, peace and genuine democracy;
6. Requests the Commission and Council to provide and facilitate support and assistance to the parties;
7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.