B4-0735/98

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

with request for inclusion in the debate on topical and urgent subjects of major importance

pursuant to Rule 47(1) of the Rules of Procedure

by Mr Dupuis and Mr Hory on behalf of the ARE Group and

Mrs Carrère D'Encausse on behalf of the UPE Group

on the situation in Georgia and Abkhazia

B4-0735/98

Resolution on the situation in Georgia and Abkhazia

The European Parliament,

A. deeply concerned at the attacks on Georgia by Abkhaz armed forces, which have forced substantial numbers of people to leave their homes,

B. whereas a cease-fire protocol was signed on 25 May 1998,

C. recalling also that Georgia occupies a key position in the region and emphasising, therefore, its importance for the stability and development of the entire Transcaucasian region,

D. whereas the whole Transcaucasian region has a strategic interest for the European Union, not only in terms of security but also with regard to the development of trade, inter alia in the energy sector,

E. whereas Georgia has achieved substantial progress in consolidating democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights,

F. bearing in mind the significant results achieved by Georgia in the process of transforming its economy into a market economy and welcoming the restoration of strong economic growth which the country has experienced for more than two years,

G. whereas Georgia is soon to be admitted to the Council of Europe,

H. whereas Georgia has on many occasions shown interest in becoming a full member of the European Union,

I. bearing in mind the unilateral declaration by the Georgian Parliament concerning the alignment of its legislation with that of the European Union,

J. whereas the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Georgia and the European Union is due to enter into force shortly,

K. whereas clear prospects of Georgian accession to the European Union could also have positive effects as regards the peaceful and rapid resolution of internal conflicts, and in particular as regards the conflict in Abkhazia,

1. Condemns the attacks on Georgia by the Abkhaz armed forces;

2. Calls on the parties to the conflict to abide by the Cease-fire Protocol of 25 May;

3. Calls on the Abkhaz authorities to participate constructively in the UN-led Geneva process in order to find a peaceful solution to the conflict and to ensure the return of the refugees to their home country;

4. Is convinced that the conflict in Abkhazia can be settledonly by means of peaceful negotiations, with strict respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia;

5. Calls on the government of the Russian Federation to contribute to the implementation of the UN-led peace process;

6. Calls on the Commission to grant humanitarian aid to the refugees who have fled from the conflict;

7. Calls on the highest authorities of Georgia not to delay further the process designed to bring Georgia full membership of the European Union and hence to submit a formal application now for membership of the Union;

8. Calls on the Council and the Commission, within their respective jurisdictions, to be ready to accord a favourable reception to an application by Georgia for membership of the European Union;

9. Calls on the Council and the Commission to send an invitation to the authorities of Georgia so that Georgia may attend the next European Conference to be held in the context of Agenda 2000 as an observer;

10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of Georgia and Russia and the Abkhaz authorities.