B3-1521/93

Resolution on the situation in Algeria

The European Parliament,

A.appalled at the continuing wave of murders of professional people, journalists, public officials and ordinary citizens in Algeria,

B.appalled at the kidnapping and murder of foreign citizens working in Algeria,

C.shocked at the statements by FIS spokesmen seeking to justify these kidnappings and murders,

D.shocked by the announcement by another terrorist organization that they are responsible for the kidnapping of three French citizens on 24 October,

E.having regard to the serious economic and social crisis in Algeria,

F.having regard to the request by the Algerian authorities for cancellation of their debt to the European Community,

G.recalling its previous resolutions, in particular its resolution of 17 September 1993,

1.Condemns those responsible for the kidnappings and murders of Algerian citizens and foreigners;

2.Calls for the immediate release of the three French consular officials who have been kidnapped;

3.Believes that the kidnappings, outrages and murders are aimed at destabilizing society and preventing any democratic process and are a serious threat to democracy and fundamental freedoms;

4.Reiterates its condemnation of all forms of violence and terrorism;

5.Calls on the governments of the Member States not to accept that FIS spokesmen living in their countries can justify these acts of violence;

6.Expresses its solidarity with, and confidence in, the Algerian people and calls on all democratic forces to work towards the creation of a constitutional system guaranteeing national sovereignty, justice, fundamental rights and civil liberties;

7.Reaffirms the right of nations to choose their own future, free from any external interference or pressure;

8.Believes that priority should be given to strengthening cooperation between the Community, the Member States and the Mediterranean countries as part of a new Mediterranean policy of mutual advantage to the interests of the peoples on both the southern and the northern shores of the Mediterranean;

9.Calls for the cancellation, as a means of assisting in Algeria's economic revival, of Algeria's public debt towards the Community which is in excess of $6.5 billion;

10.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Algerian authorities.