Hostages in Lebanon

Thursday, 13 June - A resolution urging the member states to do more to achieve the release of the hostages was approved. As T J Maher (Munster, LDR) put it, 'we must never forget the hostages', while Paddy Lane (Munster, EDA), speaking on behalf of John McCarthy's family, said everyone must exert more influence.

Fishermen detained in Namibia

Thursday, 13 June - Parliament approved a resolution which calls for the release of certain EC fishermen detained in Namibia following illegal fishing activity. Commissioner Abel Matutes said he had an unconfirmed report that the fishermen had just been released.

Honduras

Thursday, 13 June - A resolution expressing concern at the position of political prisoners in Honduras was approved. An inquiry into allegations of torture is backed and the Commission is asked to review EC aid to Honduras. A Parliament mission to Central America is also mooted.

China - review decision on the lifting of sanctions

Thursday, 13 June - Parliament wants a reconsideration of the decision on the lifting of sanctions against China which were imposed after the June 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in the light of the failure for respect of human rights in China. The EC and its member states are urged to make representations to China and to adopt appropriate measures to secure respect for human rights.

Situation in India

Thursday, 13 June - Condemning the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi and expressing support for the family and the people of India, Parliament adopted a resolution which calls for adherence to religious tolerance, democracy and non-violence. The Community is urged to contribute to India's development by strengthening its relations for cooperation in all areas, thus helping India to overcome its serious economic and social problems.

Michael Elliott (Soc), who represents some 140,000 people of Indian origin in his West London constituency, hoped that the new government in India could restore stable and just government, a sentiment also echoed by Patricia Rawlings (Essex South West, ED).

Northern Ireland peace initiative welcomed

This morning Joe McCartin (Connacht/Ulster, EPP) wished every success to the three members of Parliament - John Hume (Soc), Jim Nicholson (EPP) and Ian Paisley (Ind) who will be entering into political talks next week aimed at getting a peaceful solution in Northern Ireland. He hoped that they would be encouraged and inspired by the way Europe had resolved its problems. There was no excuse at all for the cruel deeds perpetrated by evil people in Northern Ireland, stressed Mr McCartin.

Parliament's resolution condemns all terrorist acts and supports the efforts of EC governments to combat terrorism and organised crime. A European judicial area in which national police forces would cooperate against crime and terrorism is also advocated as is compensation for the victims of terrorism.

Terrorist acts condemned

Monday, 10 June - In thanking the President for his condemnation of recent terrorist attacks in Spain and Northern Ireland, including the bombing of an Ulster Defence Regiment base, Ian Paisley (N. Ireland, Ind) said it was time that Parliament considered again the vexed question of extradition. Gene Fitzgerald (Munster, EDA) asked to be associated with the condemnation of all acts of terrorism.