B3-0409, 0463 and 0469/94

Resolution on the situation in Burundi

The European Parliament,

-having regard to its earlier resolutions on Burundi,

A.shocked at the death of President Ntaryamira in an air crash, in doubtful circumstances, and concerned at the resulting power vacuum in the country,

B.whereas Mr Ntaryamira had been appointed President following the assassination of President Ndadaye in the wake of a failed coup in October 1993, which was followed by the massacre of tens of thousands of civilians,

C.convinced that national reconciliation will not be possible until those responsible for these appalling crimes against humanity have been brought to justice,

D.whereas the risk exists that political instability in Burundi may plunge the country into a fresh cycle of bloody civil war directly affecting the civilian population,

1.Condemns the assassination of Cyprien Ntaryamira and the massacre of tens of thousands of civilians;

2.Condemns, in particular, the army which is primarily responsible for the massacres and for halting the democratization process which began with the June 1993 elections;

3.Launches an appeal to all democratic forces in Burundi to ensure the restoration of constitutional order and respect for democracy;

4.Calls for increased humanitarian aid to be supplied to the Burundian refugees in the neighbouring countries and to the Rwandan refugees in Burundi;

5.Calls on the United Nations to launch an international initiative in an effort to avoid further massacres;

6.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States, the governments of Burundi and the ACP countries, and the UN Secretary-General.