MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo in Cuba

8.3.2010

to wind up the debate on the statements by the Council and Commission
pursuant to Rule 110(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Franziska Katharina Brantner, Raül Romeva i Rueda on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0169/2010

B7‑0178/2010

European Parliament resolution on the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo in Cuba

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the statement made by the spokesperson for the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on 25 February 2010,

–   having regard to the Council Conclusions on Cuba of 15 June 2009,

–   having regard to Rule 110(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas Orlando Zapata Tamayo died in prison following a hunger strike, and whereas his death could have been avoided,

B.  whereas all States have a duty and responsibility to protect the lives of their citizens and persons living within their borders, irrespective of the conditions they find themselves in,

C. whereas the Council has engaged in a political dialogue with Cuba and has relaunched development cooperation with Cuba, and whereas Cuba is a member of the ACP group,

D. whereas in its external policy the EU follows a general approach based on dialogue and support, rather than isolation, and whereas numerous European development agencies and foundations are active in Cuba,

1.  Deeply deplores the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo and expresses its condolences to his family and friends;

2.  Rejects the idea that any country in the world should have political prisoners, calls for all such prisoners to be released, and insists that prisoners, whatever they are accused of, must be treated in a humane manner and held under conditions which safeguard their health;

3.  Reiterates that freedom of expression and information is a fundamental right and that over almost two decades the Internet has become one of the most important tools to guarantee freedom of expression and information; calls on the Commission to offer its financial and technical support with a view to ensuring that all Cuban citizens have access to the Internet;

4.  Takes the view that the signing of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by Cuba in Washington in February 2008 offers Cuban citizens the fundamental tools to pursue social and political progress as they perceive it, and invites them to use those tools; in the light of those covenants, condemns the attitude of the Cuban Government towards Orlando Zapata Tamayo;

5.  Considers that the existing embargo is anything but conducive to achieving such progress, and urges all the parties involved to refrain from imposing such embargoes, including economic embargoes;

6.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Member States and the Government of Cuba.