A3-0320/94

Resolution on setting up a Mediterranean Assembly - Community policy in the Mediterranean region

The European Parliament,

-having regard to the motion for a resolution by Mr Saby on the Community's development policy in the Mediterranean area (B3-1347/90),

-having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

-having regard to the report of the Committee on Development and Cooperation (A3-0320/94),

A.whereas, in its estimation, relations of all kinds between the European Union and the Mediterranean countries are not commensurate with the issues of today, far less those of tomorrow,

B.whereas a severe imbalance in trade between the European Union and the Mediterranean countries continues to exist, with the latter suffering a trade deficit of ECU 6 billion,

C.whereas, despite the progress made with the new Mediterranean policy, aid to the Mediterranean countries is very much lower than aid to the countries of Eastern Europe (ECU 2.8 per capita as against ECU 6.4),

D.whereas the shortcomings in Euro-Mediterranean relations have negative repercussions on the Community's southern regions,

E.whereas, despite the economic reforms in the direction of liberalism taken on the initiative of the West, often at considerable cost, foreign investment in the Southern Mediterranean continues to be, amongst the lowest in the world,

F.whereas Euro-Mediterranean relations therefore show a deficit,

G.whereas the reasons are above all political, and should be tackled head-on,

H.whereas it is therefore desirable that a Euro-Mediterranean parliamentary assembly should be set up, as already called for by Parliament,

I.whereas the purpose of such an assembly would be to bring together the representatives of the European Union and the countries of the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, except those which have mainland links with the Union,

1.Proposes that a political forum be set up under the name 'Mediterranean Assembly';

2.Suggests that the purpose of this body be to bring together representatives of the parliaments of the European Union and of the countries of the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean;

3.Believes that the Mediterranean Assembly will serve to develop political, economic and cultural dialogue and contribute to removing the obstacles which have hitherto impeded Euro-Mediterranean dialogue;

4.Believes that the Mediterranean Assembly should, in particular, examine why a lack of political will on both sides has hitherto prevented any decisive progress being made in the dialogue between the two shores of the Mediterranean;

5.Believes that this Assembly should identify what conditions need to be met in order to establish a Euro-Mediterranean partnership;

6.Believes that such a partnership calls for a rapid development of democracy in all senses and, above all, stricter respect for human rights, given that human development is a prerequisite for political partnership and forms the basis of all economic and trade development;

7.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Mediterranean third countries and to the Commission and Council and, with a view to implementing this resolution, asks him to establish contact with the presidents of the parliaments of the countries of the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean.