Joint resolution replacing B3-1154, 1173, 1199, 1200 and 1213/91
The European Parliament,
A. noting with satisfaction that the Algerian authorities have undertaken to do their utmost to ensure that genuinely free general elections open to all those willing to abide by the basic rules of democracy are held in Algeria before the end of the year,
B. regretting that there have been further casualties in Algeria among demonstrators and the police following the violent action instigated by groups claiming to represent Islamic opinion,
C. concerned at the anti-democratic behaviour of the FIS (Islamic Salvation Front), which has manipulated young people, most of whom are unemployed and whose prospects are bleak, and threatened to establish an authoritarian regime,
1. Stresses the very serious responsibilities of the FIS leaders who, through repeated calls to demonstrate and incitement to violence, have only sought to disturb public order, prevent the holding of free elections and stop the democratization of Algerian politics;
2. Expresses its support for and confidence in all the Algerian democratic forces which were preparing for the multi-party elections on 27 June and which should take an active part in setting the democratization process in motion once again;
3. Encourages the new government to pursue a bold policy of openness and freedom of expression by allowing foreign journalists to have free access to information and, in the face of destabilization attempts, not to interrupt its democratization measures nor to allow the introduction of an authoritarian political order based on the violation of human rights;
4. Calls on the Community to give its full support to the current process of democratization in Algeria;
5. Calls on the Council, the Commission and the Member States to consider possible Community action aimed at rescheduling Algeria's foreign debt;
6. Recalls also its recommendation that Algeria be given every possible form of support in its efforts to convert its economy;
7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Algerian Government.
