RESOLUTION B3-0521/92

on the risk that authors of war crimes and crimes against humanity may be rehabilitated in Bulgaria

The European Parliament,

A.having regard to the bill drafted by the presidential majority to repeal the decree aimed at bringing before a people's court those responsible for Bulgaria's involvement in the Second World War against the Allies and for crimes against humanity,

B.whereas the bill is tantamount to a de facto amnesty for war crimes and crimes against humanity and a rehabilitation of their perpetrators,

C.whereas the precedent set by passing such a bill would have extremely serious implications,

D.taking note of the International Human Rights Federation's declaration of 19 March 1992,

1.Alerts international public opinion to this dangerous bill and calls on it to make its outrage known to the Bulgarian Government and Parliament;

2.Calls on the Bulgarian authorities to withdraw this dishonourable bill and solemnly undertake to respect the principle of the non-applicability of statutory limitation to war crimes and crimes against humanity, as guaranteed by the 1968 Convention, to which Bulgaria is a party;

3.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States, the Bulgarian Government and the President of the Bulgarian National Assembly.