MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the crisis in Egypt
10.9.2013 - (2013/2820(RSP))
pursuant to Rule 110(2) of the Rules of Procedure
Charles Tannock, Adam Bielan, Sajjad Karim on behalf of the ECR Group
See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0411/2013
The European Parliament,
– having regard to its previous resolutions on Egypt, in particular that of 4 July 2013[1],
– having regard to the European Council conclusions on the Arab Spring of 8 February 2013,
– having regard to the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions on Egypt of 27 February and 25 June 2012 and of 31 January and 8 February 2013, and on EU support for sustainable change in transition societies of 31 January 2013,
– having regard to the statements by High Representative Catherine Ashton on the situation in Egypt of 3 July 2013 and on planned demonstrations in Egypt for the first anniversary of President Morsi’s term in office of 28 June 2013,
– having regard to the statement of European Parliament President Martin Schulz on the conviction of 43 NGO workers in Egypt of 6 June 2013, to the joint statement of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Füle on the Egyptian NGO trial verdicts of 5 June 2013, and to the statement by the spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton on the new NGO law in Egypt of 2 June 2013,
– having regard to the EU-Egypt Association Agreement of 2001, which entered into force in 2004, strengthened by the Action Plan of 2007, and to the Commission’s progress report on its implementation of 20 March 2013,
– having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948,
– having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966, to which Egypt is a party,
– having regard to the statement of General Abdul Fatah Khalil Al-Sisi, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces of Egypt, of 1 July 2013 and to the political roadmap presented by the April 6 Movement,
– having regard to the statement on the draft legislation on civil society in Egypt of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights of 8 May 2013 and to that of the UN Secretary‑General of 5 June 2013,
– having regard to the interim opinion on the draft law on civic work organisations of Egypt adopted by the European Commission for Democracy Through Law (Venice Commission) at its 95th Plenary Session of 14-15 June 2013,
– having regard to the statement by 40 Egyptian civil society organisations of 30 May 2013,
– having regard to the special report of the European Court of Auditors on ‘EU cooperation with Egypt in the field of governance’ of 18 June 2013,
– having regard to Rule 110(2) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas several million people have taken to the streets in Cairo and across Egypt throughout the summer; whereas there have been a number of violent clashes between Egypt’s military government and those loyal to former President Morsi; whereas an estimated 850 people have died and others have been injured as a result of the violent clashes, including British cameraman Mick Deane, who worked for Sky News, and British teenager Deqa Hassan, who lost her leg in a suspected suicide bombing in Cairo; whereas thousands of people have required medical treatment for injuries;
B. whereas Egypt continues to be in a difficult period of genuine transition towards democracy; whereas the country is facing fundamental challenges in the fields of the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and social justice;
C. whereas on 14 August 2013 the interim Cabinet declared a state of emergency in Egypt and introduced a daily curfew in many Egyptian cities, including Cairo, lasting from 19.00 to 6.00; whereas on 24 August 2013 this curfew was shortened to the time between 21.00 and 6.00, and whereas it has since been further reduced to the period from 23.00 to 6.00 as a sign of an improved security situation;
D. whereas it is the perception of many that the leadership of the Muslim Brotherhood failed to instruct its political factions to refrain from violence against the police and the army and has failed to lead Egypt into genuine democracy;
E. whereas the Coptic Christian community has been a particular target during recent clashes; whereas throughout the summer months political tensions have increased between the Muslim Brotherhood and the Christian communities across Egypt; whereas there have been a number of reported shootings and arson attacks targeting Egyptian Christians and their churches;
F. whereas Egypt is facing continuing economic difficulties, not helped by the temporary closure of a number of popular tourist destinations; whereas economic prosperity in the country requires political stability, sound economic policies, action to fight corruption, and international support; whereas social justice and a higher standard of living for citizens are crucial dimensions of the transition towards an open, stable, democratic, free and prosperous Egyptian society;
1. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the violence used by all sides throughout the summer months across the whole of Egypt; expresses its solidarity with the Egyptian people and its sincere condolences to the families of the victims;
2. Stresses the urgency of the need for national reconciliation, which would also involve real efforts by Egypt’s leaders to be a constructive part of a transition to a genuine democracy which supports peace and is inclusive of all citizens; urges those in leadership positions to reflect on the lessons learnt from previous Egyptian governments, notably that of former President Morsi;
3. Calls on the Egyptian Government to safeguard the security of all citizens, irrespective of their political and religious views and affiliations; calls on the Egyptian Government to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, to protect the freedoms of association and expression, and to honour and fulfil its international obligations; calls on all parties to act responsibly with the aim of avoiding violent actions and provocations that could undermine and hinder the legitimate right of the people to demonstrate peacefully, freely expressing their will and opinions;
4. Expresses concern that the deteriorating situation in the Sinai Peninsula and the rise in attacks by militant groups – including the 19 August 2013 attack in which at least 24 Egyptian policemen were summarily executed – could have serious implications for Egypt, the Middle East, and the wider region;
5. States that Egypt’s leaders must be willing to consult citizens in reforming Egypt’s new Constitution, and urges Egypt’s leaders to hold a referendum on this new Constitution; expects free and fair parliamentary elections to follow; reiterates that those in leadership positions should reflect on the lessons learnt from previous Egyptian governments;
6. Calls on Egypt’s leaders to address economic instability in parallel with political instability; takes the view that Egypt’s leadership must deliver economic reform, and that it is essential that Egyptian leaders work to establish democratic stability in Egypt in order to restore Egypt’s tourist economy;
7. Urges the EU and its Member States to continue providing support and technical assistance to Egyptian NGOs and to work together with them to strengthen civil society awareness, the culture of civil action, and civil society activities in the country, all of which are crucial elements in a deep and sustainable democracy;
8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the High Representative / Vice-President, the parliaments and governments of the Member States, and the Parliament and Government of Egypt.
- [1] Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0333.