A3-0412/93

Recommendation on the convoying of humanitarian aid in Bosnia-Herzegovina

The European Parliament,

-having regard to Rule 92 of its Rules of Procedure,

-having regard to Article J.7, second subparagraph, of the Treaty on European Union,

-having regard to the decision of the 'General Affairs' Council of 8 and 9 November 1993 concerning joint action on support for the convoying of humanitarian aid in Bosnia-Herzegovina,

-having regard to the sitting of the 'General Affairs' Council of 22 November 1993, which looked at ways of implementing the above-mentioned joint action,

-having regard to the proposal for a recommendation by the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Security (A3-0412/93),

A.having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 859 which calls on the parties concerned to facilitate the passage of humanitarian aid in Bosnia-Herzegovina, particularly aid to the 'safe areas',

B.deeply concerned at the fact that, despite the meeting held in Geneva on 18 November 1993 between Mrs Ogata, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the leaders of the three communities of Bosnia-Herzegovina, which culminated in an agreement allowing the convoying of humanitarian aid as far as central Bosnia, humanitarian aid convoys have once more been blocked,

C.paying tribute to the courageous action of the HCR, the NGOs and the UN troops operating in difficult and dangerous conditions in Bosnia, and reiterating its total support for their work,

D.whereas, if the local populations do not receive humanitarian aid as a matter of urgency, there is the danger that thousands of lives will be lost from the cold and from malnutrition,

E.whereas it is intolerable that civilian populations should be held hostage for political reasons,

F.whereas this situation could spark off a new wave of refugees, thereby creating new human tragedies,

1.Notes the conclusions of the 'General Affairs' Council of 22 November 1993 and therefore calls on the Member States of the European Union to provide the necessary financial, human and military resources to allow the convoying of humanitarian aid in Bosnia;

2.Recommends to the Council that it keep Parliament informed of the implementation of the joint action and notify it of the arrangements for the financing thereof as indicated in Article J.11 of the Treaty on European Union;

3.Instructs its President to forward this recommendation to the Council and, for information, to the Commission.