B4-0249, 0264, 0274, 0290, 0292 and 0296/94

Resolution on the situation in the Gulf

The European Parliament,

A.recalling its previous resolutions on the situation in Iraq and in the Gulf and the Iraqi authorities' failure to comply with the UN Security Council resolutions,

B.welcoming the firm diplomatic position taken by Western governments, including the Member States, following the renewed signs of aggressive intentions of the Iraqi Government towards Kuwait, and whereas the decision by the Americans and the allies to respond immediately by sending troops to the region has acted as a deterrent to the Iraqis and prompted them to withdraw the divisions of the Republican Guard beyond the 32nd parallel,

C.aware of the fact that the main impact of sanctions is not falling upon those responsible for Iraqi policy, but upon people oppressed by the regime, and stressing that the Baghdad regime is responsible for the maintenance of UN economic sanctions and the consequent misery of the Iraqi people,

D.stressing that the Iraqi dictatorship is continuing its terrorist attacks on the Kurds of Northern Iraq, its persecution of the Marsh Arabs and its destruction of their environment and still holds 700 Kuwaitis prisoner,

E.whereas the United Nations Special Commission on Iraqi Disarmament (UNSCOM) constantly monitors 183 military sites in Iraq, as stipulated in Security Council Resolution 715, a long-term monitoring system having already been set up to implement that resolution, but pointing out that the progress made in divesting Iraq of weapons of mass destruction and the means of their production is the result of the firm attitude adopted by the UN and its agents,

F.concerned, however, that peace will not be secured in the Gulf while a dictatorship contemptuous of humanity remains in power in Iraq,

G.believing in addition that the establishment of democracy and respect for human rights throughout the Gulf region, especially in Kuwait, would contribute greatly to peace and stability,

1.Utterly condemns the threatening manoeuvres made by Iraqi forces on the borders of Kuwait, which appeared to presage a new invasion, and supports the actions which have been taken by some EU Member States, acting in cooperation with the United States, to prevent any Iraqi invasion of Kuwait;

2.Urges the Iraqi Government to comply with all the UN Security Council resolutions concerning it and to meet the obligations deriving from them, in particular the constitutional recognition of Kuwait;

3.Supports the full maintenance of UN economic sanctions until the Iraqi Government has recognized the frontiers of Kuwait, and believes that only then can any relaxation of sanctions be permitted, involving the distribution of medicines and food aid, but that sanctions cannot be totally removed until the human rights clauses of Security Council resolutions have also been fulfilled;

4.Notes the Iraqi decision to open up its arms factories to inspection by the international authorities;

5.Calls on the Council to initiate in the United Nations, in concert with the United States and other allies of the European Union, further positive steps aimed at achieving a permanent settlement in the Gulf, which will guarantee neighbouring states against aggression, provide the Kurds, Marsh Arabs and other Iraqi citizens with the basic rights they are entitled to, and ensure the return of the prisoners from Kuwait, and possibly other countries, held illegally in Iraq;

6.Believes that the EU and its Member States should support the establishment of democratic systems and respect for human rights in the whole Gulf region;

7.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the governments of all the states which participated in the Gulf War, the member states of the Security Council, the Secretary-General of the UN, the Secretary-General of the Arab League and the Government of Iraq.