Text adopted on 9.4.92
The European Parliament,
A. having regard to the resolution of 12 July 1990 on the continuing violation of human rights in the Philippines,
B. having regard to the recent report of Amnesty International 'The Killing Goes On' (February 1992), which states that, since 1988, 550 people have been the victims of political killings,
C. concerned at the acts of violence committed during the election campaign by military and paramilitary groups (including the CAFGU - Citizens' Armed Forces Geographical Units)
D. having regard to the armed conflict which has been going on in the Philippines for 23 years,
E. having regard to the secret talks which have been held abroad since 1990 between representatives of the Philippines Government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) with a view to setting in train a process of lasting peace,
F. having regard to the peace initiatives by various sectors of society inside the Philippines to support the peace process and promote this process by making the candidates take up this issue in their platform for the elections in May 1992,
1. Expresses the hope that the presidential elections on 11 May 1992 will not be marred by any further violence and that all voters will have the opportunity to vote freely;
2. Concerned about reports that paramilitary groups such as the CAFGU (Citizens' Armed Forces Geographical Units), which are themselves believed to bear a substantial share of the blame for human rights violations in the Philippines, have been entrusted with responsibility for supervising the elections;
3. Urges all parties to respect the outcome of the elections;
4. Expresses the hope that the new government will take vigorous steps to continue the peace negotiations and take the necessary initiatives to secure respect for human rights;
5. Requests the Commission and Council to maintain their position whereby respect for human rights remains the central criterion in their policy on relations with the Philippines, both within the framework of the European Community and as regards European development cooperation;
6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Member States, and the Philippine authorities.
