B3-1220, 1230, 1232, 1235 and 1242/93

Resolution on the rise in Islamic fundamentalism in the countries along the southern shore of the Mediterranean and in the Middle East

The European Parliament,

A.concerned at the rise in Islamic fundamentalism in the countries along the southern shore of the Mediterranean and in the Middle East,

B.aware of the current social and economic difficulties in the Maghreb and the countries of the Middle East,

C.whereas most countries in the region are characterized by the absence of democracy,

D.condemning the criminal activities of the terrorists, which affect not just the forces of order but also the civilian population,

E.whereas joint action by the Community and the countries of the Maghreb and the Middle East in the fields of social and economic development and cultural relations is essential if fundamentalism, fanaticism and obscurantism are to be uprooted,

F.whereas incorrect assessments and preconceived ideas may lie at the root of much mutual misunderstanding,

G.recognizing the threat to peace, freedom and human rights posed by religious fanaticism in all its forms,

1.Emphasizes the major responsibility borne by the leaders of fundamentalist movements who, by their encouragement of intolerance and violence, are preventing the development and democratization of political life;

2.Recommends to the governments concerned that political terrorism should be fought by legal means and with due respect for human rights and basic freedoms;

3.Calls on the Community and its Member States to support all movements which advocate the establishment of pluralist democracy in the countries of the region and to do all in their power to assist those governments of the southern Mediterranean and the Middle East which, through their efforts to promote the emancipation and equality of women, education, social reform and economic development, are pursuing policies which can check religious fanaticism;

4.Insists that the aggression and intolerance of some Islamic elements must not be used as an excuse for aggression and intolerance in Member States towards their Islamic minorities;

5.Calls on the Commission and the Council to condemn in the strongest terms the terrorism suffered by the countries in question and calls on the Member States not to give refuge to those involved in terrorism or violence;

6.Condemns the systematic support given by the governments of Iran, Sudan and other countries in the region to the strengthening of fundamentalist movements;

7.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, EPC and the governments of the countries of the Maghreb and Middle East.