The European Parliament,

A. deeply disturbed at the recent events in Yugoslavia,

B. whereas the European Community has a fundamental role to play in resolving the problems jeopardizing peace or respect for human rights in Europe by applying the principles and procedures of the Helsinki Final Act and the Paris Charter,

C. welcoming the efforts of the Community's Foreign Ministers, supported by the CSCE, of which Yugoslavia is a co-signatory, to play a constructive role despite the difficult circumstances,

D. considering that European Community mediation constitutes the main hope for a peaceful solution to the problems of the Yugoslav peoples,

E. whereas the conflict between the Serb and Croat population is continuing; whereas there is a risk that other republics may become involved in this conflict, in particular Bosnia-Hercegovina,

F. whereas the peoples of Croatia, Slovenia and Macedonia have overwhelmingly demonstrated their wish for self-determination in votes in their democratically elected parliaments and in subsequent referenda,

G. whereas the situation in Kosovo and elsewhere is one of permanent violation of democratic legitimacy and inter-ethnic conflicts are spreading throughout Yugoslavia,

H. having regard to the risks to security and peaceful coexistence which an irreversible crisis would entail for the Balkan region, the neighbouring countries and the process of democratization under way in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe,

I. recalling its previous resolutions, most recently of 10 July 1991Part II, Item 12 of that day's Minutes,

1. Condemns the violence in Yugoslavia, and particularly the role of significant parts of the Federal Army, which have been engaged in military actions outside any control by the federal authorities;

2. Condemns also the activities of paramilitary elements on both sides of the conflict in Croatia;

3. Fully supports the initiative of the European Community in convening a peace conference;

4.Urges all the Yugoslav republics and the Federal Presidency to up hold the commitments undertaken in the ceasefire declaration they made in The Hague; calls, furthermore, for Community observers to be given every possible assistance and to be allowed to move freely throughout Yugoslav territory;

5. Requests that a democratically elected legitimate representation from the Kosovo and Vojvodina Parliaments participate in the peace conference;

6. Reiterates its belief that the right to democratic self-determination on the part of each of the constituent republics and autonomous provinces of the Federation is inalienable; believes that internal frontiers should only be amended following peaceful negotiation and, given the terrible violence of recent weeks, with the assistance of international mediation;

7. Insists strongly that, whatever becomes of Yugoslavia as it is presently constituted, guaranteed human rights and minority rights in each of the republics are indispensable if mutual trust between the peoples concerned is to be restored;

8. Considers that the protection of minority rights should be supported by the establishment, as a Community initiative, of a Court of Appeal, to operate according to the definitions and procedures set out by the Council of Europe;

9. Underlines the importance of all signatories of the CSCE Paris Charter strictly following the principles set out in that document in their approach to the Yugoslav crisis;

10. Considers that political settlements of differences cannot be based purely on ethnicity and rejects any attempt to expel people from the places where live;

11. Believes that it is desirable for the process of self-determination to be complemented by new processes of cooperation between republics and autonomous provinces with a view to exercising jointly those elements of sovereignty which could most appropriately be pooled in this manner in order that populations of the same origin should not believe themselves to be separated by new barriers;

12. Considers that the current break-up of the Yugoslav State must be accompanied by proposals aimed at reintegrating the republics into a new regional and, possibly, institutional grouping on a strictly voluntary basis;

13. Believes that future cooperation, including financial assistance, between the Community and the federal authorities and individual republics must continue to be determined by the extent to which they respect the points outlined above; reiterates its belief that the strongest possible sanctions should be used against any party obstructing efforts to establish a comprehensive peace;

14. Recalls the hopes of the Community, set out in the Hague statement of 3 September, that normalisation of the situation will permit it to unblock as soon as possible the substantial aid provided under the financial protocols;

15. Warmly endorses the Community's promise to consider emergency aid to the victims of violence;

16. Considers that freedom and plurality of information between republics must be maintained or restored;

17. Is convinced that political parties, churches and social organizations can make a valuable contribution, using their own contacts and experts, towards encouraging peace and reconciliation in Yugoslavia, using channels other than political ones;

18. Expresses its support for peace initiatives in Yugoslavia such as the protests of soldiers' mothers and the 'European Peace Caravan' which will travel across Yugoslavia in the next few days;

19. Believes that it is essential for Community action to develop on a coordinated basis and for the position on Yugoslavia to be adopted jointly by the Member States;

20. Considers that European Political Union urgently requires responsibilities in the field of foreign affairs, security and defence to make the policy of the coming Union more coherent and more influential;

21. Recalls its concern that the Council should urgently formulate an action plan to ensure the maintenance of adequate transport routes between Greece and the rest of the Community, if necessary by negotiating alternative routes;

22. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, European Political Cooperation, the Parliaments of the Member States, the Federal Government and the governments and parliaments of the constituent republics of Yugoslavia and the participants in the peace conference in The Hague.