B4-0303, 0308, 0312 and 0318/95

Resolution on the situation in Chiapas

The European Parliament,

A.concerned at the breakdown of the unlimited truce between the government and the EZLN, which led to a renewal of military operations in Chiapas,

B.whereas military operations have ceased in the meantime,

C.recognizing the important role played by the truce and the negotiations between the government and the EZLN,

D.recognizing the need to continue the peace negotiations under the auspices of the National Mediation Commission (CONAI), which is led by the Bishop of Chiapas, Samuel Ruiz, and formally recognized by the Mexican Government,

1.Takes note of the replacement of the governor of Chiapas, Mr Eduardo Robledo, and welcomes the end of military operations;

2.Believes it necessary, as underlined by the large-scale popular demonstrations in Mexico City, for dialogue to be opened immediately in a climate of peace and solidarity between the central government, the populations concerned and the spokesmen of the protest movement;

3.Condemns all acts of violence and repression whatever their origin, and is concerned at the large quantity of arms to be found almost everywhere in the country;

4.Firmly intends to follow developments in the situation closely and undertakes to contribute to all efforts to ensure that respect for human rights and democratic coexistence are re-established in the region;

5.Recognizes the lifting of the news black-out imposed on the state of Chiapas, which has prevented access and free movement in the area and obstructed information, and calls for respect for human rights to be restored;

6.Calls on the Mexican authorities to guarantee the work and safety of NGOs;

7.Calls again for the CONAI to open negotiations immediately in order to secure a peaceful settlement of the conflict;

8.Is concerned at the reports of death threats against the journalist Torquato Tena Benjumea, correspondent of the 'ABC' newspaper, and his family for publishing articles on a possible link between the EZLN and ETA; condemns these death threats and expresses its solidarity with the journalist;

9.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the Mexican Government, the Organization of American States and the CONAI.