B3-0190 and 0191/94

Resolution on the cyclone in Madagascar

The European Parliament,

A.whereas the island of Madagascar was devastated by the tropical cyclone Geralda in the middle of last week,

B.whereas this natural disaster has affected, in various degrees, almost the whole island, killing at least 43 people; whereas some 500 000 people have been directly affected by the cyclone, including over 150 000 who have been left homeless,

C.aware of the major efforts which have been made in recent months by the people of Madagascar to re-establish democracy,

D.aware of the extreme importance of the ecology of Madagascar,

1.Expresses its sympathy with the government and people of Madagascar;

2.Calls on the Commission immediately to release urgent humanitarian aid for those affected and to examine, together with the Madagascar authorities, the possibilities of longer-term aid;

3.Insists on the importance of protecting the tropical forests of the island;

4.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Government of Madagascar.