B4-0284 and 0305/94

Resolution on human rights in Ethiopia

The European Parliament,

A.concerned by the serious human rights violations by the Ethiopian authorities, which include murders, imprisonment without trial and disappearances,

B.concerned at the arbitrary arrest of several hundred people in Addis Ababa on 20 September 1994 and some 70 people in Ambo between 7 and 14 September 1994, most of whom are still in custody,

C.having regard to the arrest of Professor Asrat Woldeyes, President of the All Amhara People's Organization, and Mr Abera Yemane Ab, leader of the coalition of Ethiopian democratic forces,

D.disturbed at information to the effect that several hundred people are still being detained illegally, despite court rulings,

1.Calls on the Commission and Council to make representations to the Ethiopian authorities so as to obtain clarification as to the fate of the above persons;

2.Calls for the immediate release of Professor Asrat Woldeyes, Mr Abera Yemane Ab and all other political prisoners;

3.Calls on the Ethiopian authorities to pursue the path of free, democratic and open elections in cooperation with representative forces in Ethiopia and in accordance with electoral procedures recognised by the international community;

4.Calls on the Commission and the Council to put pressure on the Ethiopian authorities to respect fundamental human rights (such as freedom of opinion, freedom of association and freedom of movement) and to lift the ban affecting certain political parties;

5.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Ethiopian Government and the ACP States.