B4-0435/95

Resolution on the dangerous situation in Algeria

The European Parliament,

-recalling its previous resolutions on the situation in Algeria,

A.appalled by the atrocities committed in Algeria in the struggle between an oppressive government and religious fanatics,

B.pointing out that, according to the Algerian Government, 6388 people were killed in 1991, among them 61 foreigners,

C.pointing out that in the three years of violence 59 children have been killed,

D.shocked by the prison mutiny at Serkadji on 21 February in which about 100 prisoners and four guards were killed,

E.recalling the 100 deaths in the prison mutiny of Berrouaghia in November 1994,

F.drawing attention to the arrest of eight Algerian religious fanatics in Belgium on 2 March 1995 following the discovery of arms, explosives and false papers by the Belgian police,

G.drawing attention to the threats of the Groupe Islamique Armé (GIA) on 4 March 1995 if the Belgian authorities do not release those arrested,

1.Condemns all those responsible for murders, often accompanied by atrocious torture and mutilation, and deplores that religion is being used as a pretext to commit terrible crimes;

2.Urges the Algerian Government to establish independent inquiries into the prison mutinies and their repression;

3.Stresses that the threat to public order in Belgium is typical of the dangers with which Europe is confronted by terrorism inspired by religious fanaticism;

4.Insists that this threat makes cooperation between EU police forces all the more important and urgent;

5.Insists that the situation in Algeria and its position as a major trading partner of the EU clearly show the pressing need for a common foreign and security policy of the European Union;

6.Insists on the need for a negotiated settlement in Algeria and notes that one of the few hopeful signs is that the Foreign Minister of Algeria, Mr Mohamed Salah Dembri, has recently said that there are positive elements in the declaration made in Rome in January 1995 by some leaders of the opposition;

7.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council and the Government of Algeria.