B3-1713/93

Resolution on the death penalty in Egypt and Algeria

The European Parliament,

A.appalled by the wave of crimes committed in Algeria and Egypt by Islamic fundamentalists which it has consistently condemned and deplored,

B.outraged at the numerous death sentences imposed by the governments of both those countries,

C.adhering to the Declaration of Rights adopted in 1989 in line with its unswerving opposition to the death penalty under any circumstances,

1.Calls on the governments of Algeria and Egypt to cease carrying out death sentences which are inhuman, degrading and ineffective forms of punishment and in turn result in fresh acts of vengeance and murder;

2.Calls on all political groups in both countries to meet round a negotiating table to consolidate or restore democracy in those countries, rejecting the death penalty and torture as means of defence and renewal;

3.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Presidents of both Republics, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, the UN Secretary-General, the Council and the Commission.