Motion for a resolution - B6-0373/2006Motion for a resolution
B6-0373/2006

PROPOSAL FOR A RECOMMENDATION TO THE COUNCIL

19.6.2006

pursuant to Rule 114(1) of the Rules of Procedure
by Véronique De Keyser
on behalf of the PSE Group
on the negotiations with a view to the conclusion of a Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement between the European Community and its Member States of the one part, and the Syrian Arab Republic, of the other part

B6‑0373/2006

European Parliament recommendation to the Council on the negotiations with a view to the conclusion of a Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement between the European Community and its Member States of the one part, and the Syrian Arab Republic, of the other part

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of a Euro‑Mediterranean Association Agreement between the European Community and its Member States of the one part, and the Syrian Arab Republic, of the other part (COM(2004)0808),[1] which is currently under negotiation,

–  having regard to its previous resolutions on Syria, particularly that of 8 September 2005 on the situation of political prisoners in Syria[2] and that of 15 June 2006,[3]

–  having regard to the United Nations resolutions on relations between Syria and Lebanon, in particular Security Council resolution 1680 (2006) of 17 May 2006, and the latest report by Mr Serge Brammertz, head of the International Independent Investigation Commission, dated 14 June 2006,

–  having regard to Rule 114(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas Syria is currently in a period of transition which may lead it towards a social market economy, a more democratic political regime and greater respect for human rights,

B.  whereas the future association agreement and the strengthening of relations between the European Union and Syria in permanent mutual respect may enable this development to be sustained,

C.  whereas the final conclusions of the International Independent Investigation Commission into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri are a decisive factor in the signing and ratification of the association agreement,

1.  Calls on the Council to step up its efforts towards the signing of the agreement, and to take account of the following recommendations:

  • (a)to be mindful of the fact that, while the draft accord between the European Union and Syria is modelled on the other Euro-Mediterranean association agreements in force, it also contains new provisions, relating inter alia to non-proliferation of weapons, the fight against terrorism, reduction of customs tariffs, and the right of establishment, which has made the negotiations more complex;
  • (b)to take account of the political signals emerging from the 10th Ba’th Party Regional Congress, the most visible of which is the introduction of a new and younger leadership;
  • (c)to take steps with the Syrian Government to ensure that it lifts the state of emergency, which would help the rule of law to progress, while respecting the spirit of Article 2 of the agreement;

2.  Instructs its President to forward this recommendation to the Council and, for information, to the Commission, and to the Syrian Parliament and Government.