The European Parliament,

A. whereas there are still 10 hostages detained in Lebanon, some of whom have been there for more than 6 years,

B. whereas the friends and families of the hostages are continuing an active campaign to secure their release,

C. having regard to the steps taken by the governments of certain Member States to obtain the release of their nationals detained as hostages, but considering these efforts to be inadequate,

D. having regard to the recent appeal made by the former French hostage, Jean-Paul Kauffmann, that the hostages must be released from their nightmare,

E. having regard to developments in Lebanon with the cessation of hostilities,

F. having regard to its numerous resolutions calling for the release of the hostages in Lebanon,

1. Expresses once again its solidarity with the hostages and their families;

2. Renews its condemnation of hostage-taking which constitutes a totally unjustifiable violation of human rights;

3. Urges all governments and political organizations concerned to ensure that every effort is made to release the hostages;

4. Calls on the Member States concerned to maintain and step up their efforts and strengthen their coordination;

5. Calls on EPC to make every effort to bring about the release of the hostages;

6. Instructs its delegations for relations with the Middle Eastern countries to raise the question of the hostages until such time as they are released;

7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, EPC, the governments of the Member States and the Secretaries-General of the United Nations and the Arab League.