B4-0949, 0970, 0993 and 0996/95

Resolution on the trial of eight Saharan demonstrators in Morocco

The European Parliament,

-having regard to the UN resolution on holding a referendum on self-determination in Western Sahara,

-having regard to the report of the Security Council mission to Western Sahara,

-having regard to its resolutions of 10 February 1994 on human rights violations in Morocco and Western Sahara and 16 March 1995 on Western Sahara,

A.whereas Morocco has ratified the international conventions on human rights and against torture,

B.particularly shocked at the sentencing by a military court of eight Saharan students arrested during a demonstration at El Ayoun on 11 May 1995 to prison terms of 8 to 15 years, reduced to one year by King Hassan II,

C.whereas several dozen arrests were made by the Moroccan police during the demonstration,

D.whereas the recent amnesty granted to political prisoners did not include any Saharans,

E.having regard to the contradiction between the announcement that the referendum will be held as soon as possible and the arrest of and long sentences imposed on those who peacefully expressed their support for self-determination in Western Sahara,

1.Calls for these young demonstrators, and all Moroccan and Saharan political prisoners who have been arrested and imprisoned for their opinions, to be released immediately and unconditionally;

2.Calls on the Moroccan Government to respect the international conventions it has signed on human rights;

3.Calls on the European Union authorities and the governments of the Member States to do their utmost, in the context of political, economic and commercial relations, to ensure that the Moroccan Government complies with its commitments and implements the United Nations peace plan;

4.Calls on the parties in conflict to refrain from any action likely to impede or compromise implementation of the peace plan;

5.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, UNMIRWS, the Secretaries-General of the United Nations and OAU, the Moroccan Government and the Polisario Front.