The European Parliament,

A. appalled by the tragic accident which killed hundreds of

miners in the coalmine in Kozlu, Turkey,

B. concerned that several accidents of the same kind had

already occurred in this and other mines in the Zonguldak

basin, causing more than 3000 deaths in the last 50 years,

C. noting that strict safety measures are called for, above

all where miners are working in very dangerous conditions,

D. acknowledging the courage and determination of all those

involved in the rescue operation,

1. Expresses its profound sympathy with the victims' families;

2. Calls on the Turkish authorities to hold a thorough inquiry

into the causes of the disaster and possible negligence in

respect of the safety measures in force in all of the mines

in the area;

3. Calls for more effective safety measures to be implemented,

with the agreement of the workers;

4. Calls on the Commission to investigate what material and

humanitarian support it can offer to those affected;

5. Proposes that there should be a more efficacious exchange

of mining technology, particularly in the field of safety,

between EC specialists and those of Turkey;

6. Calls on the governments of the coal-producing Member

States to cooperate with the Turkish authorities by

providing them with appropriate assistance in implementing

the safety measures needed to protect the lives of miners;

7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the

Commission, the Council, the governments of the Member

States and the Turkish Government.