RESOLUTION B3-1047/92

Resolution on the death sentences on Croatian citizens in Belgrade

The European Parliament,

deeply concerned at the sentences passed in Belgrade on 26 June 1992 following the trial by a military court, in contravention of international law, of Croatian soldiers defending Vukovar, including Martin Sabljic, Zoran Supos and Nikola Cibaric who were sentenced to death and Bartol Domazet, Jure Marusic, Slavko Madarevic and Ante Vrankovic who were given long prison terms,

condemning the imposition of these sentences in contravention of international law against prisoners of war who had been defending, on behalf of the legally recognized Republic of Croatia, the city of Vukovar which belongs to Croatia in international law,

having been informed by an appeal from Helsinki Watch,

having regard to the suspicion that the prisoners were tortured by the so-called Yugoslav army to extract confessions,

Strongly condemns the actions of the so-called Yugoslav Army which are in clear contravention of international law;

Urges European Political Cooperation to protest immediately in the strongest possible terms to the Serbian Government, and to instruct Community representatives working in the former Yugoslavia to inform the Serbian authorities that the Community will respond to the continuation of these illegal trials, and in particular to the carrying-out of the death sentences, with even stricter sanctions;

Reminds the authorities of Serbia and Montenegro that war crimes of this nature are punishable by severe penalties under international law;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, European Political Cooperation, the Community representatives in the former Yugoslavia and the Governments of Serbia and Montenegro.