B3-1086/93

Resolution on the attacks against personnel from Western NGOs in Iraqi Kurdistan

The European Parliament,

A.having regard to the unceasing criminal attacks aimed at Western NGO volunteers in Iraqi Kurdistan,

B.having regard especially to the assassination by unknown agents of several volunteers from Médecins sans Frontières, UNICEF workers and allied military personnel within the last few weeks,

C.having regard to the extremely worrying situation which continues to prevail in this region and the serious risks of epidemics if the volunteer doctors cannot carry out their mission in acceptable conditions,

1.Strongly condemns the assassination of Western NGO volunteers, UNICEF workers and French, British, US and Turkish military personnel by anonymous assassins;

2.Calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities against Western citizens who supply humanitarian aid to the Kurdish population in distress in Iraqi Kurdistan and against Kurdish families themselves threatened by armed forces loyal to different authorities;

3.Urges the states of the region to take all useful measures to restore calm in the region as soon as possible to allow the NGO volunteers to continue their humanitarian action in acceptable conditions of safety;

4.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, EPC, the UN Secretary-General and the governments of Turkey, Iran and Iraq.