B3-0360 and 0367/94

Resolution on respect for the human rights of candidates in the forthcoming elections in Colombia

The European Parliament,

A.having regard to the forthcoming elections in Colombia on 13 March 1994,

B.having regard to the attacks suffered by certain candidates of both the government and opposition parties, as well as by local and regional government officials,

C.having regard to the arrest on 14 February 1994 of the Mayor of Apartadó (Colombia), Nelson Campos Núñez, the former mayor and candidate for election to the Chamber of Representatives, José Antonio López Bula, and the President of the local council of Policarpa, Naun de Jesús Urrego, all three of whom are members of the Unión Patriótica in the same city,

D.having regard to the murders that have been committed, including those of the Mayor of Labranza Grande and a candidate for the Senate in Medellín, who were both members of the current ruling party,

1.Calls on the Colombian authorities to release immediately the three members of the Unión Patriótica and to protect candidates and opposition leaders, and appeals to the irregular forces and guerilla fighters to end the violence;

2.Reminds the Government of Colombia of the need to respect human rights;

3.Calls for an ad hoc delegation of Members of the European Parliament to be sent to Colombia to be present on polling day;

4.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the Ministers responsible for the CFSP, and the Government of Colombia.