B4-0343/94

Resolution on the disaster in Egypt

The European Parliament,

A.shocked at the loss of hundreds of lives and the destruction of thousands of homes following the flooding and fires in Durunka in Egypt on 2 November 1994,

B.concerned at the damage caused by the flooding to archaeological sites of major importance, including the tomb of Tutankhamen,

C.noting that the Prime Minister of Egypt has acknowledged that the government was at fault in not having responded to requests from the local authorities to move the fuel depot from the centre of the town of Durunka, where most of the population live, to a less densely populated area,

1.Expresses its sympathy with those affected by this disaster;

2.Calls on the European Union and its Member States to supply technical and financial aid both for urgent repairs and to prevent similar disasters happening;

3.Believes that preservation of the major archaeological sites in Egypt is both an international and a national responsibility;

4.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council and the government of Egypt.