MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the preparations for the Russian State Duma elections in December

4.7.2011

to wind up the debate on the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
pursuant to Rule 110(2) of the Rules of Procedure

Hannes Swoboda, Véronique De Keyser, Knut Fleckenstein, Kristian Vigenin, Pino Arlacchi on behalf of the S&D Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0396/2011

B7‑0452/2011

European Parliament resolution on the preparations for the Russian State Duma elections in December

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the Russian Federation, which entered into force in 1997 and has been extended pending its replacement by a new agreement,

–   having regard to the ongoing negotiations for a new agreement providing a new comprehensive framework for EU-Russia relations, as well as to the ‘Partnership for Modernisation’ initiated in 2010,

–   having regard to the European Parliament’s previous reports and resolutions on Russia and on EU-Russia relations, in particular the one on the EU-Russia Summit in Nizhny Novgorod adopted on 9 June 2011,

–   having regard to the EU-Russia Consultations on Human Rights, particularly the latest meeting held in this context on the 4 May 2011,  

–   having regard to the statement by the EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton of 22 June 2011, on party registration in Russia,

–   having regard to the obligation to uphold democratic principles entailed by Russia’s membership in the Council of Europe and as a signatory of the European Convention of Human Rights,

–   having regard to the serious concern expressed by the European Court of Human Rights over the cumbersome registration procedures for political parties in Russia, delivered on 12 April 2011,

–   having regard to the outcome of the EU-Russia Summit held in Nizhny Novgorod on 9-10 June 2011,

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

A. whereas the relations between the EU and Russia are constantly developing over the past decades, leading to a deep and comprehensive interdependency, which is bound to increase even more in the future,

B.  whereas the conclusion of a Strategic Partnership Agreement between the EU and the Russian Federation remains of the utmost importance for the further development and intensification of cooperation between the two partners,

C. whereas there remains concern about developments in the Russian Federation with regard to respect for and the protection of human rights and respect for commonly agreed democratic principles, rules and procedures; whereas the Russian Federation is a full member of the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and has therefore committed itself to the principles of democracy and respect for human rights,

D. whereas the political pluralism is a cornerstone of democracy and modern society, and a source of political legitimacy,

E.  whereas the European Court of Human Rights has condemned the Russian Federation for human rights violations in many cases and the implementation of these judgments remains insufficient,

F.  whereas it is important that the EU to speak with one voice, show solidarity and display unity in its relations with the Russian Federation, and base those relations on mutual interests and common values,

1.  Reaffirms its belief that Russia remains one of European Union’s most important partners in building strategic cooperation, sharing not only economic and trade interests but also the objective of acting closely together in the common neighbourhood as well as at global level;

2.  Notes with concern that another independent political party – the Party of People’s Freedom – was denied registration in the Russian Federation; reaffirms its concerns regarding the difficulties faced by the political parties in registering for elections, difficulties which effectively constrain political competition in Russia, reduce the choice available to its electorate and show that there are still real obstacles to political pluralism in the country;

3.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the President, Government and Parliament of the Russian Federation.