B4-0532, 0550, 0554, 0560 and 0562/94

Resolution on compulsory AIDS tests for foreigners visiting Russia

The European Parliament,

-having regard to the 'Europe against AIDS' programme,

A.having regard to the findings of the World Day of Action against AIDS held in Paris and attended by 42 countries,

B.having regard to the decision of the Russian Duma of 28 October 1994 requiring all foreigners arriving in Russia 'to work, study or for any other purpose' to take an AIDS test or face deportation,

C.noting that these tests have to be taken in Russia unless the foreigner's home country has an agreement with Russia on the mutual recognition of the certificates concerned,

D.noting that the proposed law has yet to be approved by Russia's Federation Council and to be presented to President Yeltsin for signature,

E.whereas discrimination against persons with the HIV virus and obstruction of their free movement are a direct attack on human rights and must be vigorously condemned,

F.recalling its previous resolutions on AIDS and in particular that in which it condemned the attitude of the authorities in the United States for introducing compulsory tests for foreigners,

1.Emphasizes that the proposed law on AIDS tests for foreigners in Russia is a grave violation of international human rights, discriminates against foreigners living in or entering Russia and will be virtually impossible to implement;

2.Urges the Russian Federation Council not to approve the draft law in question and President Yeltsin not to ratify it;

3.Calls on the Council and the Member States to lodge a strong protest with the Russian authorities against this regulation;

4.Condemns the attitude of any countries which restrict the freedom of movement of HIV-positive persons or those with the illness;

5.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the governments of the Member States and the authorities of the Russian Federal Republic.