President. − The next item is the statement
by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for
Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the situation in Yemen, Bahrain, Syria
and Egypt.
Catherine Ashton, Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union
for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. − Mr
President, thank you very much for the opportunity to come again to the
Parliament. It was only two weeks ago in Strasbourg that we discussed the
situation in our Southern Neighbourhood and we felt that sense of impatience and
uncertainty, that real change does takes time and we know it will be measured in
years and not in seasons. But we also recognised the importance of our
continuing support and tonight we will focus on Egypt, Syria, Yemen and Bahrain
where the latest events remind us of what we were saying two weeks ago.
Let me begin with Egypt and start by being absolutely clear
that what we saw in Egypt on Sunday night was totally unacceptable. We were all
shocked and appalled by the violence against a peaceful demonstration by the
Coptic Christian community that led to the death of 25 people, with more than
300 injured.
These clashes run contrary to the whole spirit and goals of
the revolution and the aspirations of all Egyptians – of all backgrounds and
beliefs. They stood side by side asking for legitimate human rights after 30
years of authoritarian rule. The Egyptian uprising belongs to the whole
population of Egypt. Protection of human rights is essential. I believe that is
the only way to ensure that we are going to have true democracy. I made a
statement calling for calm and restraint and an investigation so that those
responsible for the violence can be brought to justice.
I urged and I urged the authorities to protect the right to
demonstrate peacefully, and the right to freedom of religion or belief – one of
the most fundamental of all human rights. Yet the worst thing now would be for
these tragic events to stand in the way of democracy. On the contrary we have to
learn these lessons fast. Sunday’s events should encourage the government and
the ruling military council to investigate, to listen, to review the emergency
law and to step up the dialogue with political representatives ahead of
elections.
Our Delegation met today with representatives from the
Al-Azhar University and Mosque who can play a very important role in the
dialogue between different communities. As we have said before in this House,
Egypt faces its first opportunity to hold free and fair elections and we will
work to help the judges and poll workers in the management of the upcoming
parliamentary elections later this year.
We will continue to work both on the process towards democracy
and in the relaunch of the economy.
Turning to the example of the Task Force in Tunisia last week,
here we were able to bring together the international community – European
institutions, Members of this House, Member States, the European Investment
Bank, the Bank for Reconstruction and Development, multilateral financial
institutions and, crucially, private sector companies – making sure that
together we become a catalyst for quicker and more effective assistance; in
Tunisia in this case, but important of course across the region.
We were able to pull together a package of EUR 4 billion over
three years for Tunisia. We plan to do the same in other countries in the region
where that collaborative approach can make a significant difference to the
economic opportunities in those countries: Jordan, Egypt, and other countries
too.
I hope too that we will be able to do something for Syria in
the near future, where the situation remains totally unacceptable and where we
must continue pressure on the regime – bilaterally and internationally. You have
noted our sanctions and their gradual expansion to include oil exports – even
now additional sanctions are under preparation.
You will have also seen our efforts in the UN Security Council
and in the Human Rights Council. Member States worked hard in the Security
Council to try to get a resolution but were unable to achieve that. I believe we
have to redouble our efforts and I will be raising our concerns with our
strategic partners, the United States and China, over these coming next few
days.
There is no sign, of course, in Syria of the regime abandoning
violence and repression and the risk of spiralling violence and sectarian rifts
is very real. The recent incidents of targeted killings confirm this danger.
That is why the unity of the people and the new political leaders on the ground
is essential. We welcome all efforts by the Syrian opposition to come together.
The creation of the Syrian National Council is encouraging. Inclusiveness,
commitment to non-violence, human rights and democratic values are essential in
that process. I believe this Parliament is unique in what it can offer to
promote those values and is well placed to offer a forum for dialogue.
We should also seek to associate Arab countries in all of our
efforts. We will remain steadfast and determined to support the people of Syria.
Our sanctions are not directed against them but against the regime and those who
support it, and we continue to send a message to the people of Syria that we
wish to help them achieve their aspirations and will mobilise our assistance and
improve our trade and economic links as soon as we see that genuine transition
begin.
In Yemen we wait and watch President Saleh who has talked
again about transferring power, but I am not convinced that he is listening to
his people. Surely this time he must match his words with deeds and transfer
that power now. The time for empty promises is gone. The President and his
family must stop holding the country’s future to ransom. Not least when we look
at the tragedy of the humanitarian situation: there is a great lack of fuel,
power, food and water, and people face chronic malnutrition.
Even before the current crisis, 7.5 million people – one third
of all Yemenis – did not have enough to eat. 400 000 Yemeni people are
internally displaced, and the country hosts over 200 000 refugees from the Horn
of Africa. How exactly that transition goes forward is for the Yemeni parties
themselves to work out. But they have long ago accepted the principles of the
Gulf Cooperation Council’s initiative. We have engaged at all levels, trying to
facilitate peaceful solutions among the key players in Yemen. I have been
working closely with the GCC and with the United States to keep a strong and
united front, sequencing and coordinating our messages and actions on the ground
and in our capitals.
We have also played a key role through the UN Human Rights
Council, and will now step that up through our Member States in the UN Security
Council.
Last week a 32-year-old Yemeni woman, Tawakul Karman, was
awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Her first meeting with the international
community was hosted by our Head of Delegation on Sunday. He transmitted first
hand my message that the prize recognises her relentless commitment to human
rights, and particularly to the rights of women. Women are at the forefront of
the fight against repressive regimes and they must remain central to the shaping
of the reforms that follow.
Fourth, and finally, to Bahrain where we have been following
the situation very closely and we have made clear our views in statements and in
direct talks with the Foreign Minister and with the King. This morning the
Bahraini Ambassador was called again to my services. We have adopted conclusions
in the Foreign Affairs Council several times and we will not do other than
continue to put the situation in the forefront of our work and of our
statements.
Like many amongst the honourable Members here I have spoken
out against the death penalty – actually all of my life – and the harsh
sentences handed down in cases connected to the recent unrest. Special courts
should not be used to try civilians and I have urged the Bahraini authorities to
stick to the commitments they have made and guarantee fair trials.
For that reason, I take some positive note of last week’s
decision to retry in civil courts the trials against doctors and nurses accused
of tending to the medical needs of those who oppose the regime. That request,
from us, was heard, but now surely civilian courts should move to drop all
charges.
The decision should be extended to all civilians tried in the
Security Courts. About 60 more civilians, aside from those medical personnel,
have been sentenced in these courts.
At the end of this month, the International Commission
investigating the human rights violations will deliver its report. All the
documented allegations must be followed up properly – whoever the presumed
perpetrator is.
Our members have also led the way in Geneva to try to secure
follow-up to this Independent Commission’s findings in the Human Rights Council,
and to allow the High Commissioner’s Office to visit. On both fronts, I have to
say, the Bahraini authorities have chosen to remain evasive.
The investigations should change the political climate and
should encourage reconciliation. There needs to be far more and better dialogue
between the authorities and the opposition. The authorities should, in my view,
inject confidence into this process so that those groups with a legitimate
grievance can come to the table.
I have to say though, that without dialogue, without real
dialogue and real reforms, there can be no long-term, sustainable solutions to
the challenges that are faced in Bahrain.
IN THE CHAIR: LIBOR ROUČEK Vice-President
Hans-Gert Pöttering, im
Namen der PPE-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident, Frau
Vizepräsdentin, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Vor wenigen Monaten haben wir
mit großer Hoffnung, mit Bewunderung nach Ägypten geschaut, und ich selbst habe
Anfang März mit vielen jungen Menschen auf dem Tahrir-Platz sprechen können. Es
war ein Aufbruch zur Freiheit, zur Verteidigung der Würde des Menschen, der
Menschenrechte und der Demokratie, und heute schauen wir doch mit Sorge nach
Ägypten.
Wenn wir zur Kenntnis nehmen müssen, wie Lady Ashton es gerade
gesagt hat, dass viele Kopten und Christen umgekommen sind, möglicherweise sogar
ermordet wurden, dann muss uns das mit großer Sorge erfüllen. Wir müssen den
Ländern der Arabischen Revolution, der Rebellion zurufen: Schützt eure
Minderheiten, denn wenn die Minderheiten nicht geschützt werden, dann richtet es
sich am Ende gegen eure eigene Freiheit.
Deswegen müssen wir vom Feldmarschall Tantawi und von seiner
Regierung fordern, dass die Vorkommnisse untersucht werden, und dass auch
diejenigen vor Gericht gebracht und verurteilt werden – und wenn es sich um
Soldaten handelt –, die einfach mit ihren Fahrzeugen über die Menschen gefahren
sind. Alle, die Gewalt geübt haben, müssen dafür bestraft werden.
Weil sich in einigen arabischen Staaten mehr die Gewalt zeigt,
sollten wir jetzt jedoch nicht den Fehler machen, die vielen Millionen zu
vergessen, die für Freiheit, für Demokratie, für den Frieden und auch für den
Dialog der Kulturen eintreten. Bei den Demonstrationen am Sonntag mit den über
100 000 Kopten waren auch Moslems dabei. Sie haben friedlich mit den Christen
demonstriert. Lassen Sie uns also auch diesen Friedenswillen von Millionen
friedlicher Moslems nicht vergessen.
Im Jahr 2008 war der Großmufti von Syrien, Ahmad Hassoun, hier
im Europäischen Parlament. Er hat eine bemerkenswerte Rede gehalten. Sicher ist
er auch ein Mann, der in der Nähe dieses verbrecherischen Systems von Präsident
Assad, der zurücktreten sollte, anzusiedeln ist. Aber jetzt ist auch de jüngste
Sohn dieses Großmuftis, der sicher unschuldig ist, brutal ermordet worden,
möglicherweise von Fundamentalisten. Also auch die Moslems zahlen ihren Preis.
Deswegen müssen wir dafür eintreten, dass die Toleranz für alle gilt, und wir
sollten die Demokratiebewegung in den arabischen Ländern mit aller Kraft weiter
unterstützen.
Кристиан Вигенин, от
името на групата S&D. – Господин Председател,
уважаема госпожо Ashton, с голямо безпокойство наблюдаваме събитията в страните
от южното Средиземноморие. Тази тема присъства в почти всяко заседание на
Европейския парламент. Обсъждаме, предлагаме решения, искаме действия от
Комисията, от Съвета, от Вас персонално. Оценяваме високо бързите ви реакции и
ясните позиции, които изразявате. Но трябва да признаем, че нещата някак не се
променят към по-добро, дори напротив.
Ситуацията в Сирия постепенно започва да излиза от контрол.
Противопоставянето става все по-брутално. Режимът в Дамаск явно няма намерение
да спре насилието и да започне бързи политически реформи. Напротив, дори
заплашва с мащабен регионален конфликт, в който иска да въвлече Израел и Иран.
Подобно поведение вече говори за слабост и изнервеност, които не вещаят нищо
добро нито за сирийския народ, нито за региона като цяло.
В Египет текат процеси, които пораждат смесени чувства. От
една страна Египет върви към своите първи демократични избори, в същото време
международни наблюдатели не бяха поканени и независимо какво е формалното
обяснение, това не е добър знак. Засилват се тенденции, които могат да препънат
демократичния поход от площад Тахрир. Напрежението между религиозните групи не е
ново явление, но вместо да бъде гарантирана религиозната свобода, конфликтите
растат. Участието на силите на реда в касапницата в неделя (по друг начин не
можем да го наречем) е много обезпокоително.
Аз Ви призовавам, госпожо Ashton, да настоявате за пълно
разследване на събитията, както заявихте, наказание и съд на виновните и нови
гаранции от страна на властите в Египет, че ще бъдат гарантирани правата на
малцинствата, включително на религиозните малцинства.
Струва ми се, че трябва да потърсим по-ясна подкрепа и
ангажимент от нашите стратегически партньори с претенции за глобална роля като
Русия и Китай, а така също и от страни – кандидатки за членство в Европейския
съюз, имам предвид Турция, която би следвало да се включи по-активно в общите
действия на Европейския съюз и неговите страни-членки.
Няма да задавам въпроси, но бих искал да използвате Вашето
присъствие тук, за да ни подскажете има ли други стъпки, които Европейският
парламент може да предприеме в подкрепа на Вашите усилия.
Kristiina Ojuland, on
behalf of the ALDE Group. – Mr President, it is a
pity to see that the Arab Spring for democracy – now in autumn – is falling back
into violence.
The ALDE Group condemns the clashes between different
religious groups in Egypt; furthermore it condemns the excessive use of force by
the military. Freedom of religion must be protected, as well as the right to
demonstrate peacefully while upholding law and order without infringing human
rights. We call on the Egyptian authorities to maintain this delicate balance to
prevent the nation finding itself going out of the frying pan into the fire.
The blocking of the Syrian pro-democracy resolution in the
United Nations Security Council by Russia and China is an utter disgrace. The
disappointment of the EU expressed in the Council conclusions must be reinforced
by increasing pressure on international actors to take a strong stance against
the killing, mass arrests and torture of civilians in Syria.
In Yemen and Bahrain the regimes must put an end to violence,
human rights violations and the suppression of the opposition, and give way to a
peaceful regime transition. The revolutionary wave that calls for democracy in
the Arab world should not be left to wither.
Barbara Lochbihler, im
Namen der Verts/ALE-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident,
sehr geehrte Hohe Vertreterin Ashton, verehrte Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Der
Unterausschuss Menschenrechte hat in der vergangenen Woche eine Anhörung zur
Lage der Menschenrechte in Bahrain, in Syrien und in Jemen organisiert. Wir
debattierten unterschiedlichste Forderungen, die in allen Ländern
unterschiedlich sind. Aber ich habe auch von Ihren Ausführungen jetzt gehört,
dass Sie sich im Detail damit beschäftigen, und es waren im Wesentlichen die
gleichen Dinge, die auch wir gehört haben.
Ich möchte deshalb hier nur hervorheben, dass es wirklich
notwendig ist, dass die EU insbesondere die Anstrengungen der Zivilgesellschaft
unterstützt, und zwar derjenigen, die sich für einen gewaltfreien Wandel
einsetzen.
Sie haben erwähnt, dass Sie in Bahrain den Dialog mit der
Zivilgesellschaft fördern. Auch das haben wir gehört, aber ebenso die
Einschätzung, dass Vertreter der Zivilgesellschaft an eine Reform glauben, aber
eben keine Bereitschaft sehen, dass es zu einem ernsthaften Dialog kommt.
Innerhalb der Zivilgesellschaft wiederum ist es wichtig, dass
sich die EU für die Frauen und deren Organisationen einsetzt. Dass es sie gibt,
dass sie aktiv sind, das zeigt ja auch die Verleihung des Friedensnobelpreises
in diesem Jahr an die Jemenitin Tawakkul Karman. Bereits 2006 gründete sie den
Verein „Journalistinnen ohne Ketten“ und mobilisiert seit Anfang dieses Jahres
zivilgesellschaftliche Proteste im Jemen. Ich bin froh – wie Sie erwähnt haben,
Lady Ashton –, dass bereits die EU-Delegation im Jemen Kontakt zu ihr
aufgenommen hat. Mit der Preisverleihung wird nicht nur eine Frau gewürdigt, die
sich als Muslimin in einer extrem von Männern dominierten Gesellschaft für
geschlechtliche Gleichberechtigung stark macht. Das Nobelpreis-Komitee setzt
zugleich ein wichtiges Zeichen, nämlich dass in den arabischen Revolten der
Kampf um Frauenrechte und Emanzipation eine zentrale Rolle spielen muss. Jede
Regierung, die im Zuge der gesellschaftlichen Umwälzungen an die Macht kommt,
muss sich dafür einsetzen. Ich hoffe, die EU fördert das, so gut sie
kann.
Charles Tannock, on
behalf of the ECR Group. – Mr President, earlier
this year the Egyptian army played a crucial role in forcing the resignation of
President Mubarak, after refusing orders to shoot protestors – thus making
Egypt’s move towards democracy far less bloody than the transition in Libya,
where the pro-Gaddafi forces have proved resilient, requiring NATO intervention
to tip the balance. We all hope in this House that Sirte falls soon to the
Transitional National Council.
However, the most recent reports coming from Egypt of the
deaths of dozens of Coptic Christians who were protesting peacefully and killed
as a result of a brutal overreaction by the security forces, are shocking and
need investigation.
There is concern both in Tunisia and in Egypt over the rise of
hardline Salafist influences now, and therefore in my view the more moderate
Islamist elements of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt need engaging with and need
to be made to understand that they must pledge to respect international
obligations made by Egypt on human rights if they are elected to power.
The brutal repression of the Syrian uprising by contrast has
led tragically to 3 000 deaths so far, with President Assad sadly refusing to go
and appealing to minorities such as his own set, the Alawites, and the
Christians to resist the Sunni-led insurgency. The EU must now support the
freezing of Syrian assets in Europe, ban oil imports and lean more on Russia and
China in the Security Council for support with the hope of speeding up the
Syrian National Council’s bid to topple the Ba’athist regime.
Yemen’s traditional alliance with the US against al-Qa’ida is
laudable but the regime is authoritarian. Street protestors have called for UN
aid in forcing Ali Abdullah Saleh from power now, but the ECR welcomes the fact
that the cases of medics jailed in Bahrain for instance for treating injured
protestors are now due to be reviewed, which will give some credibility to the
Bahraini Monarchy’s quest for democracy.
The ECR calls on the EU to mobilise all available means to the
Middle East and North African countries, including direct aid and loan finance
for investment, but conditional on respect for human rights and democracy.
Lastly our political parties here in this House must share
their experience in order to establish secular, democratic choices for the
people of that region.
Marisa Matias, em nome
do Grupo GUE/NGL. – Senhor Presidente, Senhora
Alta Representante, há alturas em que penso que precisamos de parar um pouco e
fazer balanços e esta parece-me ser uma das alturas. E parece-me ser porque
vamos sempre na cadência dos acontecimentos e de uma resposta de acontecimento
em acontecimento e perdemos um bocado aquilo que é a perspectiva do todo.
É certo que cada caso é um caso, e que cada país de que
estamos aqui a falar é um caso específico, mas perdoe-me dizer, Senhora Alta
Representante, parece-me que é difícil escrutinar quais são os critérios que a
União Europeia tem usado para agir em função de cada um dos casos. Temo que
estejamos muitas vezes reféns daquilo que são os interesses dos países da União
Europeia, de parte de alguns desses países da União Europeia e não de todos. E é
por isso que nós usamos tantas vezes nesta casa a expressão dois pesos e duas medidas e continuamos a usá-la. Às vezes é
sanções sim, outras vezes é sanções não, às vezes a ingerência vai até ao limite
da bomba como o foi no caso da Líbia, outras vezes é o silêncio total como foi
no caso da invasão do Bahrein pelas forças da Arábia Saudita e, Senhora
Baronesa, deixe-me dizer-lhe que tenho estudado atentamente todos os dossiês,
não vi ainda uma única declaração das instituições europeias a condenar a
invasão do Bahrein pelas forças militares da Arábia Saudita.
São condenações à morte, é violência sem fim, são médicos e
enfermeiros que são condenados até 30 anos de prisão por um tribunal militar
porque supostamente estavam a ser contra o regime e não a ajudar os feridos que
deles necessitavam. Em relação à monarquia ditatorial do Bahrein e em relação ao
regime ditatorial do Iémen, do regime de Saleh, temos tido muito mais silêncios
que acções. Eu não sou a favor da ingerência - nunca o fui - mas temo que nos
coloquemos numa posição desconfortável, a posição vista de fora, Senhora
Baronesa, que é em vez de ajudarmos ao desenvolvimento, às aspirações
democráticas e revolucionárias dos povos nos países árabes, em vez de ajudarmos
à Primavera árabe, o que fazemos é impedir que ela se estenda, quer por excesso
quer por defeito, e não acho que devamos ficar com esse pecado.
Espero que a atribuição do Prémio Nobel a uma activista
iemenita possa servir de sinal de que o nosso lado é o lado dos povos que estão
em revolução.
Fiorello Provera, a nome
del gruppo EFD. – Signor Presidente, onorevoli
colleghi, il massacro avvenuto in Egitto per impedire una manifestazione di
protesta per l'incendio di una chiesa copta da parte di musulmani salafiti
dimostra quanto sia ancora lontana la democrazia.
Al di là delle difficoltà che incontrano i copti quando
richiedono l'autorizzazione per costruire una chiesa, in base a una legge che
risale all'impero ottomano, sono sempre più numerosi gli attacchi ai cristiani
da parte di estremisti musulmani. Le proteste, anziché essere garantite dalle
autorità militari che governano l'Egitto, sono represse nel sangue.
Paradossalmente, questi conflitti religiosi e queste repressioni erano meno
frequenti al tempo di Mubarak.
Ma vi sono altri segnali preoccupanti che deludono le
aspettative sulla cosiddetta Primavera araba. Mi riferisco all'attacco
all'ambasciata israeliana con il conseguente ritiro dell'ambasciatore, agli
attentati contro i gasdotti nel Sinai, alle richieste di alcuni partiti politici
di revisione del trattato di pace tra Egitto e Israele e, infine, alla forte
avanzata dei partiti islamisti.
Dal momento che l'Unione europea ha giustamente rafforzato il
suo sostegno politico e finanziario all'Egitto, non sarebbe il caso di applicare
la dottrina Füle-Ashton del "more for more", e quindi
anche del "less for less", indirizzando gli aiuti alle
forze politiche, sociali e sindacali che promuovono democrazia e stabilità in
Egitto?
Francisco José Millán Mon (PPE). - Señor
Presidente, la libertad religiosa está reconocida en la Declaración Universal de
los Derechos Humanos y también en el Pacto Internacional de Derechos Civiles y
Políticos –Egipto es Parte en el Pacto desde 1982. Conocemos, además, la
relevancia de la libertad de manifestación y de expresión.
La gravedad de lo ocurrido el domingo en El Cairo reside en
que se ha reprimido con una fuerza desproporcionada a unos manifestantes que
forman parte de una minoría que reclamaba la protección de su libertad de
religión. Es necesaria una investigación rigurosa de lo ocurrido y castigar a
los culpables, como muy bien ha dicho el señor Pöttering.
La libertad de religión debe ser protegida y hecha respetar
por los Estados, como reclamaba este Parlamento en su Resolución del pasado 20
de enero, señora Ashton. Queremos un Egipto de libertad, justicia y paz, un
Egipto alejado de hechos como los ocurridos.
Además, Egipto es un gran país, líder en el mundo árabe: lo
que ocurre allí tiene una repercusión enorme. Los acontecimientos del domingo no
pueden repetirse. Egipto debe ser un ejemplo de tolerancia y concordia, no de
violencia y de violación de libertades.
La Unión debe prestar la máxima atención al respeto de las
libertades en los procesos de cambio en el mundo árabe que queremos favorecer y
acompañar. En los últimos meses, dirigentes religiosos cristianos y también
representantes de la sociedad civil de algunos de estos países me transmitieron
su preocupación por la situación de la libertad religiosa en sus países.
Señora Ashton, a mí me gustaría que nos informara sobre qué
medidas va a proponer para reforzar la acción de la Unión Europea en este campo,
como ya le pidió a usted el Consejo de Asuntos Exteriores el pasado mes de
febrero.
Richard Howitt (S&D). - Mr President,
we return tonight, without apology, to the countries of the Arab world where
transition has not yet started but where the demand for it is urgent and, sadly,
deadly. As a European Union we must heed the failure of the latest session of
the UN Human Rights Council to agree the decisive action needed to provide real
protection and support for the region’s democracy protestors.
Concerning Yemen, where the situation is deteriorating, full
military force is now being used against peaceful protestors, yet the resolution
passed in the UN fails to form any conclusion about responsibility for rights
violations or to back the High Commissioner’s request to establish a presence in
that country. We must heed, too, the new evidence from the World Food Programme
of the starvation and hunger affecting that country.
Concerning Syria, we should note the formation of the new
opposition Syrian National Council and that the High Commissioner again called
for referrals to the International Criminal Court, which were not backed in the
UN. Interestingly, Egypt, as well as Russia and China, sought to obstruct the
commission of inquiry that was set up.
Concerning Egypt, I join with others in this debate to condemn
the violence, with witness statements showing that security forces opened fire
on protestors and ran them over in armoured cars. I myself have told the
Egyptian Ambassador that I was present in Cairo for the constitutional
referendum and welcomed the warmth and affection shown by people experiencing
their first taste of genuine democracy, so I just do not accept that public
opposition is a barrier to the EU mounting an electoral mission which could help
entrench that democracy for the future.
Finally, I would hope that Vice-President/High Representative
Ashton will also comment, in her winding-up, on the report from Amnesty
International which states that peaceful protestors outside Syrian embassies in
our own countries – France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and the UK – have been
threatened, intimidated and physically attacked by individuals believed to be
connected to the Syrian regime. In the UN we can do better to protect civilians
in the Arab World. Here in the European Union itself we have no excuse not to do
so.
Marietje Schaake (ALDE). - Mr President,
while the euro crisis occupies political agendas and headlines, we are facing
another crisis, which is that of the EU as a global player. High Representative,
I believe that this week’s statements on Bahrain, Syria and the violence in
Egypt were very good, but what actions will now back up those words? The EU can
seek stronger overlap between values and interests, but not if it continues to
navel-gaze or fragment.
We should leverage the impact of our single market to make it
work for stability, growth and the defence of human rights. Obama has announced
oil sanctions for Syria. While the EU is Syria’s main trading partner, it was
unable to unite or to lead in this issue. Looking inward also hurts our
relationship with Turkey, while we need to cooperate and engage on North Africa
and the Middle East in a more intensive way.
We are largely failing our neighbours and the next generation,
and with that our own interests. The Arab Spring is turning into a winter and we
must stand more closely with those people and their future. In Egypt, the
Supreme Council of the Armed Forces is behaving no differently than the Mubarak
regime was. Citizens are tried in military courts for blogging – like Maikel
Nabil – or for speaking out – like Asmaa Mahfouz. What concrete actions will the
EU take to invest in a truly new Egypt?
In Syria, an illegitimate government continues to kill people,
and there are now threats to Europe concerning that might happen to us if we
recognise the Opposition Council. Those threats were made, Mr Pöttering, by the
Grand Mufti, and Syrians in the EU are also facing threats. It is up to the
Syrian people to determine their own future, but we must protect their human
rights and we are not doing enough. More pressure, and giving a clear choice to
the economic elites that doing business with al-Assad means no business with
Europe would be a good start. Let me specifically highlight the need to ban the
export of surveillance, security and censoring technologies to countries that
use them to violate human rights. In Bahrain, the prosecution of doctors in
military courts for treating people indiscriminately shows disregard for human
life. The world unitedly condemns that in the strongest terms. I also wanted to
highlight the case of two bloggers that are imprisoned in Bahrain – Abduljalil
al-Singace and Ali Abdulemam. Please highlight their cases too.
Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE). - Senhor
Presidente, o maior desafio da política externa europeia não é a China nem os
Estados Unidos, mas é o que está a acontecer do outro lado do Mediterrâneo, nos
nossos vizinhos países árabes. Não porque nós combatamos as tiranias naqueles
países, isso quem faz é o povo dos próprios países, mas porque nós temos um
inimigo mais forte a combater, o nosso próprio passado, as nossas cumplicidades,
as nossas colaborações com regimes autoritários.
Na Síria, onde até há pouco tempo trabalhámos numa espécie de
abertura com o regime, que é um regime policial, e onde não fizemos o suficiente
para ajudar os refugiados que estão na Síria e não estamos a fazer o suficiente
agora para pressionar a Turquia para reconhecer os refugiados que vêm da Síria
para a Turquia, no Egipto onde estamos outra vez a cair no mesmo truque de por
causa de haver possível violência sectária cairmos nos braços dos militares. É
importante investigar bem o que se passou porque pode haver dedo do regime
militar na violência sectária no Egipto e do outro lado da Península Arábica, no
Bahrein e no Iémen porque, Senhora Ashton, francamente, é preciso muito mais do
que chamar o embaixador do Bahrein. O embaixador do Bahrein teve o descaramento
de, nesta casa, nos dizer que os médicos que estão presos não estavam presos por
tratar manifestantes, mas por estarem no hospital para lá do horário de
expediente. É preciso falar com a Arábia Saudita e aí a coisa é muito mais
difícil.
Finalmente, para terminar, é preciso dizer uma coisa: foi a
Primavera Árabe que libertou o soldado Shalit, que a Sra. Ashton saudou, e
deveria ter saudado também a libertação de Barghouti e de mais de mil
palestinianos e a Primavera árabe que está a fazer mudar aquela parte do mundo é
o nosso maior desafio neste momento.
Konrad Szymański (ECR). - Panie
Przewodniczący! To wielki paradoks, że od czasu arabskiej wiosny sytuacja
chrześcijan w Egipcie ulega pogorszeniu niemalże z każdym miesiącem. Atakowane
są zgromadzenia wiernych, ponad 100 chrześcijańskich kobiet zostało porwanych,
są one nierzadko gwałcone, zmuszane do przyjęcia islamu. Unia Europejska musi w
tej sprawie działać szybko i jednoznacznie. Nasze ekonomiczne i polityczne
wsparcie powinno być adresowane wyraźnie tylko do sił demokratycznych. Musimy
sprzeciwić się odniesieniom do szariatu w egipskiej konstytucji. Wybory w tym
kraju powinny odbyć się po zmianie konstytucji i trwać jeden dzień w skali
całego kraju, tak aby uniknąć fałszerstw i zastraszania. Nasze milczenie w tych
sprawach będzie oznaczało cichą zgodę na antychrześcijańskie czystki religijne i
na pogrążanie się Egiptu w radykalizmie i destabilizacji.
Bastiaan Belder (EFD). - Sta mij een korte
opmerking vooraf toe. Mevrouw de hoge vertegenwoordiger, ik sluit mij als
voorzitter van de Israël-delegatie van harte aan bij uw gelukwens aan het adres
van de ouders van Gilad Shalit, nu hij binnenkort na vijf jaar van gevangenschap
en totaalisolatie vrijkomt. Daarom is dit een heuglijke dag.
Mijnheer de Voorzitter, op aangrijpende wijze heeft het
Egyptische dagblad Al Masri Al Jung nauwkeurig verslag gedaan van het bloedbad
dat het Egyptische leger zondagavond in Caïro volkomen onverwachts aanrichtte
onder vreedzaam demonstrerende christenen. Telefonisch contact leerde mij
gisteravond hoe diep de Kopten en christenen van andere kerken geschokt zijn.
Een schrijnend gebrek aan bescherming van overheidswege tegen agressie van
militante islamisten is in het Egypte van na Mubarak al meer een ontluisterend
gegeven.
Maar het toekomstperspectief van Egyptische christenen kan nog
donkerder worden. Dat leren de onheilspellende gebeurtenissen van begin deze
week.
Mevrouw de hoge vertegenwoordiger, naar ik hoop stelt u alles
in het werk om ervoor te zorgen dat er een werkelijk onafhankelijk en diepgaand
openbaar onderzoek plaatsvindt naar de vreesaanjagende, dodelijke escalatie van
geweld van zondagavond. Tegelijkertijd verwacht ik van de Europese Unie een
krachtige, duidelijke stellingname tegen de dagelijkse veelvuldige
maatschappelijke discriminatie van de christelijke minderheid in Egypte. De
spreekwoordelijke Arabische lente moet immers voor haar, voor die minderheid,
nog altijd aanbreken.
Andrzej Grzyb (PPE). - Panie
Przewodniczący. Wysoka Przedstawiciel, byliśmy zaskoczeni gwałtownością zmian,
które nastąpiły w Afryce Północnej, a w tej chwili jesteśmy z kolei zaskoczeni,
że tam, gdzie staraliśmy się wesprzeć te ruchy, pojawiają się zjawiska przemocy.
Tak jak ostatnio wobec egipskich Koptów. Ta społeczność różnymi kanałami próbuje
do nas dotrzeć i mówić o tym, co się tam dzieje. Dostałem od tej społeczności
np. zdjęcia – jest tu tylko 30 młodych dziewczyn, które zginęły i nie wiadomo,
gdzie są. Społeczności te twierdzą, że zostały one porwane. Takich przypadków
jest podobno więcej. Ale mamy też do czynienia z tą ostatnią masakrą, która
potwierdza, że tamtejsza sytuacja pogarsza się wobec tych mniejszości. A z
drugiej strony jesteśmy tuż przed wyborami, które mają się tam odbyć i jesteśmy
też przekonani, że odbędzie się również przygotowanie nowej konstytucji.
Więc jest to moment, w którym my Parlamentarzyści powinniśmy,
jako społeczność międzynarodowa, jako Parlament reagować, aby te zmiany, które
tam następują, uwzględniały nasze oczekiwania wobec nowych demokracji. Jeżeli
mamy je wspierać, to powinniśmy je wspierać w taki sposób, aby standardy
dotyczące mniejszości, które są rodzimymi mniejszościami, również były
przestrzegane. To dotyczy wszystkich tych krajów, które dzisiaj były przedmiotem
omówienia Pani Wysokiej Przedstawiciel.
Zgadzam się z tą opinią, że tragiczne wydarzenia nie powinny
zahamować demokracji w Egipcie czy w innych krajach w tym regionie. Jednak
jeżeli nie będziemy na to reagować jako społeczność międzynarodowa, to będzie
bardzo trudno uzyskać tam standardy, których oczekujemy. Dziękuję.
Μαρία-Ελένη Κοππά (S&D). - Κύριε
Πρόεδρε, η αραβική άνοιξη, παρά το ελπιδοφόρο μήνυμά της, μετράει χιλιάδες
νεκρούς. Στην Υεμένη, παρά την ανακοίνωση παραίτησης του Προέδρου Σάλεχ, οι
ταραχές συνεχίζονται. Καθημερινά έχουμε βίαιες συγκρούσεις, μάλιστα πρόσφατα με
θύματα γυναίκες που διαδήλωναν προς τιμήν της βραβευθείσας με το Νόμπελ Ειρήνης,
Ταουακούλ Καρμάν.
Την ίδια στιγμή, στο Μπαχρέιν στρατιωτικά δικαστήρια διώκουν
ακόμη και γιατρούς και νοσοκόμους, που έκαναν το καθήκον τους κατά τη διάρκεια
των ταραχών. Το Κοινοβούλιο λειτουργεί χωρίς εκπροσώπηση της αντιπολίτευσης, ενώ
οι μεταρρυθμίσεις που προωθεί η κυβέρνηση στοχεύει μόνο στο να μειωθεί η
πολιτική ισχύς των Σιιτών.
Όσον αφορά τη Συρία, από τις αρχές του Μαρτίου έχουμε, σύμφωνα
με τα στοιχεία του ΟΗΕ, πάνω από 3.000 νεκρούς. Η διεθνής κοινότητα δεν έχει
καταφέρει να εκπέμψει εκείνο το μήνυμα που θα κάνει τον Άσαντ να υποχωρήσει. Η
αναγνώριση, πάντως, από την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση του εθνικού μεταβατικού συμβουλίου
της Συρίας είναι ένα βήμα στη σωστή κατεύθυνση.
Για άλλη μια φορά η Ένωση καλείται να στηρίξει την προσπάθεια
εκδημοκρατισμού των χωρών και να διαφυλάξει την ομαλή εφαρμογή των αλλαγών.
Πρέπει να στείλουμε ένα ισχυρό μήνυμα ώστε να ανοίξει ο δρόμος για τη
μακροπρόθεσμη σταθερότητα και ανάπτυξη των χωρών αυτών αλλά και συνολικά της
ευρύτερης περιοχής.
Marian Harkin (ALDE). - Mr President, I
want to thank the Vice-President/High Representative for her words here this
evening. I will concentrate on Bahrain because I travelled to Bahrain a few
weeks ago with a number of Irish medics and with the human rights organisation
Front Line.
The specific connection was that a number of the medics who
had been imprisoned had trained in Ireland and worked in Dublin. The Royal
College of Surgeons in Dublin also have a huge facility in Bahrain and indeed
they trained many of the doctors who were imprisoned. In this context I believe
the College of Surgeons cannot continue to sit on the fence because they must do
something about the totally unacceptable breaches of medical neutrality. They
have a duty of care to their former students and also to the medical profession
as a whole.
I would also like to echo your words, Vice-President/High
Representative, when you say that the civilian courts should now move to drop
all charges. The Bahraini authorities cannot seek to legitimise the entire
process simply by changing from military to civilian courts. Yes, it may look
positive, and it is, but only on the surface. The arrests of the medics and the
subsequent and well supported allegations of torture, with no access to family
members or to legal advisers, cannot be legitimised, and all charges must be
dropped.
We also have the situation where there are at least 80 people
who remain in prison. Furthermore I would like to draw your attention to an
extremely serious situation where a number of prisoners, including a man called
Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, are on hunger strike. Again I mention Abdulhadi because he
worked with Front Line human rights organisation in Dublin and was arrested when
he returned to Bahrain. He is on hunger strike protesting at the severe
mistreatment of a number of women who protested in the City Centre Mall.
Vice-President/High Representative Ashton, I agree with you: real dialogue and
real reforms are the only ways to achieve a long-term sustainable solution in
Bahrain.
Ashley Fox (ECR). - Mr President, the
Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom have a shared history rooted in
friendship and cooperation, and that friendship, ranging from our military links
to excellent trade relations and close diplomatic ties, has benefitted both our
nations. However, in order to fulfil our role as a friend of Bahrain we must be
honest and when things go wrong we must say so clearly. So we are now saying
clearly to Bahrain that we demand respect for human rights and the upholding of
political freedom.
The conviction and sentencing of 20 doctors and nurses who
treated injured protestors was appalling. I am pleased that, following the
intervention of the international community, the Bahraini Government has
nullified those sentences. I agree with Ms Harkin that the prosecutions should
now be dropped.
I welcome the establishment of an independent commission
composed of international figures to look into the events of recent months and
into allegations of human rights abuses, and I join with Baroness Ashton in
saying that what Bahrain requires is a genuine dialogue between government and
opposition. We look to the Bahraini authorities to take action to inject real
confidence into that process.
Magdi Cristiano Allam (PPE). - Signor
Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, il massacro dei cristiani in Egitto è soltanto
l'ultimo atto di una lunga serie di atrocità che si perpetuano innanzitutto su
un piano istituzionale, dove i cristiani sin dalla nascita vengono marchiati,
comparendo la menzione della religione su tutti i documenti ufficiali, e nel
momento in cui la Costituzione afferma che in Egitto la religione ufficiale
dello Stato è l'Islam e la sharia, la legge coranica, è la fonte principale
della legislazione.
I cristiani oggi in Egitto sono il 10% della popolazione. Nel
VII secolo erano il 99%. Dal 1945 dieci milioni di cristiani hanno abbandonato
la sponda meridionale e orientale del Mediterraneo. Negli ultimi sei mesi 93.000
cristiani hanno abbandonato l'Egitto. Questa è pulizia etnica.
Io chiedo alla baronessa Ashton di andare al di là delle
denunce e al di là di risoluzioni che non abbiano delle conseguenze e degli atti
concreti. Se in Libia abbiamo pensato a bombardare quella popolazione, credo che
in Egitto dobbiamo come minimo contemplare l'adozione di sanzioni per far
rispettare i diritti fondamentali della persona e i valori assoluti e universali
che sono la sacralità della vita, la pari dignità tra le persone e la libertà
religiosa.
Tunne Kelam (PPE). - Mr President, the
appalling fact of the latest massacre of Copts in Egypt is that it happened
under the new interim government, only a month before what it is hoped will be
free elections. This will cast serious doubts on the democratic prospects for
Egypt.
Copts are among the oldest inhabitants of this ancient country
and they participated actively, and in a spirit of solidarity, in demonstrations
that put an end to the previous regime. The Egyptian revolution is – as you put
it, Baroness Ashton – owned by all its citizens, including Copts. Now our
External Action Service has to address this problem in a very forceful way, and
I think we need to remind the new regimes that the basic criterion for democracy
remains the establishment of secular constitutionalism. We need to indicate
clearly that founding the constitutions of the revolutionary Arab countries on
Sharia law is bound to legalise ongoing discrimination and the persecution of
minorities. Democracy and human rights will not triumph if the constitutional
starting point for the new regimes is fundamentally tilted in favour of a single
dominant tradition.
Alf Svensson (PPE). - Herr talman! Är det
någon gång som Europaparlamentets röst ska höras entydigt och klart så är det
självfallet i sådana här sammanhang, det vill säga när mänskliga fri- och
rättigheter kränks runt om i vår värld. Nu talar vi om Nordafrika och vi talar
mer specifikt om vissa länder där. Minoriteten kopterna finns i Egypten, men vi
vet att det finns fler minoriteter och det gäller att vi inte bara talar om
detta vid ett tillfälle, utan att denna röst hörs ständigt och ihärdigt. Det är
för övrigt också vad Lissabonfördraget kräver och förväntar sig av oss.
Mänskliga fri- och rättigheter är inte något som vi ska påtvinga de här
länderna, utan snarare något som ska lyfta dem.
Sedan kan jag inte låta bli att också erinra om hur det var
när saudiska trupper kallades in i Bahrain. Det var faktiskt genant, för att
inte säga famöst, att se de saudiska trupperna och stridsvagnarna komma in och
mangla ner människor som törstade och hungrade efter frihet, med tanke på att
det var vi i väst, om man med väst menar USA och Europa, som hade utrustat dessa
trupper med stridsvagnar och vapen.
Detta hade vi gjort därför att vi satte stabilitet före
demokrati, och jag tror att detta måste vara en lärdom för oss framöver: Att
inte hålla stabiliteten så högt så att vi accepterar att demokratin trampas ner
eller inte lyfts upp tillräckligt starkt och tydligt. För det har vi inte gjort
och den eftertanken måste nu få utrymme och härska också framöver. Oljan fanns i
Saudiarabien och finns där fortfarande, men demokratin måste också komma
dit.
Laima Liucija Andrikienė (PPE). - Mr
President, in Yemen we observe a situation where initially peaceful protests
against the rule of President Saleh have been overtaken by an increasingly
violent power struggle among government forces and tribal militias.
Anti-government demonstrations persist throughout major cities, the economy is
collapsing, violence is ubiquitous, shortages of electricity and fuel are
evident and outlying provinces are no longer under government control, but in
some cases in the hands of Islamic militants, some of whom are associated with
al-Qa’ida.
Although Yemen’s death toll is low in comparison with some
other Arab Spring countries, this number has been rising, and if there is no
immediate help from outside it could lead to the disintegration of the country
and civil war. I would say to the High Representative that we should prevent
this scenario from becoming a reality.
In Egypt, there is an alarming wave of concern regarding the
Christian community’s deteriorating conditions. We must stress the need for
Egypt to ban all discrimination based on religion, language, gender or
ethnicity. I would urge the High Representative to use all the instruments at
her disposal to ensure that the rights of minorities are upheld and implemented
and that the universal rights of peaceful protest and religious freedom are
respected.
Zuzana Roithová (PPE). - Vážená paní vysoká
komisařko, nedělní masakr křesťanů v Káhiře, za kterým stojí de facto dnes
vládnoucí egyptská armáda, je naprosto nepřijatelný. Překvapilo mne, že jste jej
ve svém pondělním prohlášení jednoznačně neodsoudila jako zločinecký směr,
kterým se nesmí Egypt v žádném případě ubírat. Souhlasím s Vámi, že je potřeba
případ vyšetřit a konkrétní viníky dostat před soud. Ale protože to není jediný
exces vůči Koptům, tak to nestačí. Je třeba politický akt. Dovoluji si Vás
požádat, abyste důrazně varovala egyptské vůdce, že naše, tedy evropská podpora
bude nekompromisně podmíněná zajištěním skutečné svobody náboženského vyznání a
že islamizace provázená zabíjením Koptů je zločinem. Zločinem, proti kterému
musí elity Unie rázně vystoupit a nedovolit jeho relativizování. Jinak ztratíme
respekt.
Ana Gomes (S&D). - Mr President, the
Arab Spring continues to flourish in the blood of all those who are falling from
the bullets of the oppressive regimes of Bahrain, Yemen, Syria and, I must say,
the armed forces of Egypt. However, as much as it flourishes in the brave men
and women – like Tawakul Karman – who continue to rise up and fight against
these oppressive regimes, it is our duty to understand this is not going to
happen overnight. We have to support these people, show our solidarity and
actively support them in many ways. We have to demand accountability; demand
that our own governments do not continue to export weapons and other repressive
instruments to these regimes and we have to find clever ways to mobilise and
support the civil society that has been so brave.
We must do everything we can to make sure that these people
hear our cry of solidarity. That can be done in many ways so that, together with
the liberation of Gilad Shalit, the Arab Spring will bring about the liberation
of all those Syrians, Bahrainis, Palestinians, Egyptians and Yemenis who are in
jail.
We cannot conceal the fact that the regime of Saudi Arabia has
tremendous responsibility in what is happening both in Bahrain and in Yemen. We
need to also demand this kind of accountability from our own governments as
regards relations with Saudi Arabia.
Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL). - São
preocupantes os factos que já aqui foram debatidos e que se vivem em diferentes
países da África e também do Médio Oriente. Mas eu queria aqui dar especial
atenção à posição da União Europeia, sempre ambígua e sempre de dois pesos e de
duas pedidas, porque, enquanto na Líbia as tropas e bombas e outro material
bélico da União Europeia continuam a matar civis, no Bahrein ficaram calados
quando a Arábia Saudita foi com as suas tropas esmagar as contestações populares
ao regime e continuam sem ter uma intervenção firme quando assistimos a
condenações de pessoas que intervieram nessas manifestações ou até de pessoal da
saúde ou simples médicos que trataram os feridos.
Não podemos aceitar que isto continue e não podemos aceitar
porque a Arábia Saudita tem petróleo ou porque no Bahrein está a quinta frota
norte-americana, que os Estados Unidos façam dali a sua grande base estratégica,
que isto sirva para a União Europeia se manter calada e, por isso, Senhora
Vice-Presidente, lhe pedimos que mude de posição.
Anna Záborská (PPE) - Egypt nebude
slobodný, pokiaľ v ňom kresťania a moslimovia nebudú mať rovnaké práva. Musíme
rozhodne odsúdiť násilie, ktoré sa odohralo na námestí Tahrir len pred
niekoľkými dňami. Buďme dôslední. Lady Ashton, naši diplomati musia egyptským
partnerom pri každej príležitosti pripomínať, že Európa bude spolupracovať len
so skutočne slobodným Egyptom. Ale zároveň vyzdvihnime snahy pápeža, Schenoudu
III a veľkého imáma Ahmeda al-Tayeba o zmierenie a začatie náboženského dialógu.
Národné zmierenie kresťanov a moslimov je cestou ku skutočnej slobode nielen v
Egypte, ale aj v ďalších krajinách Arabskej jari. V uliciach Káhiry sa na
odevoch ľudí objavili odznaky s krížom a polmesiacom, pod ktorými je nápis Som Egypťan. To vzbudzuje nádej a podporme ju.
Mario Mauro (PPE). - Signor Presidente,
onorevoli colleghi, i cristiani in Egitto sono vittime per l'ennesima volta di
una lotta per il potere. Più in generale, tutte le vittime delle rivolte e delle
rivoluzioni arabe rischiano di essere uccise due volte, perché, se magari dopo
un ciclo di elezioni avremo in questi paesi Costituzioni che negano la libertà,
negano i diritti ed esprimono norme discriminatorie, verrà tradita la ragione
per cui tutta questa gente è scesa in piazza.
Ora, è chiaro che per esempio Dio non è presente nella
Costituzione americana e in quella sudanese allo stesso modo. Dio non c'è nella
Costituzione francese e non c'è neanche in quella cinese, ma il risultato non è
lo stesso. Noi dobbiamo essere interlocutori credibili perché nella
determinazione dei nuovi testi costituzionali ci si riconosca in valori comuni
che garantiscano la libertà. Per questo l'Europa deve far sentire la sua voce,
altrimenti rischiamo in questo momento di passare da regime a regime
compromettendo quello che è stato fatto in questi mesi.
Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D) - V
poslednom období bolo vydaných niekoľko vyhlásení k situácii v Jemene a situácia
je skutočne dramatická. Humanitárna kríza, problémy utečencov a vysťahovalcov,
ale najmä problémy s podvýživou by mali vyvolať v našich radoch ešte viacej
pozornosti.
Každému je jasné, že Únia sa teraz sústredí na riešenie krízy
v eurozóne, ale nemôžeme zabúdať ani na svoje medzinárodné záväzky a musíme byť
v nich dôslední. V pondelok 10. októbra v Luxemburgu prijali ministri
zahraničných vecí na stretnutí Rady ohľadom situácie v Jemene závery, ktoré sú v
podstate správne, čo sa týka popisu situácie. V poslednom, piatom bode, kde sa
hovorí o reakcii Únie voči humanitárnej a politickej kríze v Jemene, sú však
závery vágne. Nestačí len reagovať na aktuálne udalosti. Nestačí len vyzývať
všetky zúčastnené strany v Jemene, aby spravili všetko pre mierovú politickú
transformáciu. Nestačí vyjadriť pohoršenie nad neprijateľnosťou humanitárnej
situácie v krajine. Únia musí mať ambície prijať razantnejšie kroky smerom k
ukončeniu jemenskej drámy. A to, pani viceprezidentka, platí aj pre ostatné
krajiny, o ktorých v dnešnej diskusii hovoríme.
Catherine Ashton, Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union
for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. − Mr President, I would like to thank all the honourable Members who have
spoken. I think there is a very clear message coming out from this Parliament
tonight concerning the fundamental relationship between the countries in
transition and their people and the need to protect human rights. In that
context I am pleased to associate myself with all that has been said about the
need to ensure that freedom of expression and freedom of religion and belief
should be at the heart of the values held in each of the countries we have been
discussing this evening – especially so in the light of the difficult situations
and the violence we have seen in Egypt.
I also agree with what has been said about the need to
continue our engagement with civil society in the four countries we have been
discussing this evening. That is something that we put – and that I put – at the
forefront of the work of our delegations and of my own work. It is an enormous
pleasure to meet those brave people, many of them women, who have been at the
forefront of change and who are seeking the kind of society and the kind of
freedoms they see that we in the European Union enjoy. We know that, if we can
work collaboratively with them, we can help to engage in that process.
I do believe, as I said earlier tonight, that there is a very
special role for this House to play in that process, and I urge all the
honourable Members to take up that challenge too, and be willing to engage with
civil society – engage with those looking for a new political process, engage
with those who are looking for what I have described as ‘deep democracy’ – and
offer them your support.
I agree that, in our new strategy for our neighbourhood, the
ideas of mutual accountability and ‘more for more’ are really significant. They
enable us to support those moving forward on reform, those in civil society and
those local organisations and ordinary people who are willing their leadership
on to change, and also to support those who are privileged to serve in
leadership positions who likewise choose to move forward with reform, to support
the economy and the kind of democratic institutions and deep democracy that we
wish to see, and to keep that idea of accountability in mind.
We are responsible to the people for delivering what we say we
will deliver; those in leadership are responsible for doing what they said they
were going to do; and that mutual accountability should, I believe, govern the
relationship we have with these countries across our neighbourhood into the
future.
I have put out 11 statements on Bahrain, I have put out a
number of statements on other countries, and I understand the frustration of
feeling that sometimes we use words when we need to seek action. That is also
why we need to keep working in the Human Rights Council and in the Security
Council, supporting our colleagues in civil society who are seeking change, and
making not just statements but also contacts and links in order to say what we
know to be true. In Bahrain, that means saying that those who offer medical care
should be treated as the heroes and heroines they are, and should not be treated
badly by the regime. In Syria, it means saying that those who are trying to come
together to provide alternative leadership need to be supported in doing so. In
Yemen, it means saying that those who wish to see President Saleh finally do
what he said he would also need to be supported, not just with the humanitarian
aid we have provided, but also with the full range of support which we can
offer.
I know that honourable Members are concerned about the
situation in this region and especially in Egypt, a country that has all the
potential to be a true and great democracy. It has the potential to throw off
the shackles of the past 30 years and grow into the kind of country that the
people who stood together day after day in Tahrir Square – people of all faiths,
all beliefs and all views, men and women, young and old – have fought for. That
is what we have to help the people of Egypt actually to achieve.
President. − The debate is closed.
The vote will take place at the October II part-session.
Written statements (Rule
149)
Elena Oana Antonescu (PPE), în scris. – Sprijin această
rezoluţie şi îmi exprim speranţa că represiunile violente din Bahrain, Egipt şi
Yemen vor înceta. În momentul în care un lider sau o clasă conducătoare alege
violenţa pentru a se menţine la putere, legitimitatea deciziilor sale are foarte
mult de suferit. Când printre victime se regăsesc femei şi copii nevinovaţi,
situaţia trebuie condamnată la unison de către toţi cei care cred în valorile
democraţiei, în libertatea de expresie şi în dreptul unui cetăţean de a-şi
contesta propriii conducători.
Elena Băsescu (PPE), în
scris. – Continuarea violenţelor în Yemen, Siria
şi Bahrein este profund îngrijorătoare. Recentele atacuri asupra comunităţii
creştine din Egipt constituie un motiv suplimentar de preocupare. Ele sunt un
semn al tulburărilor profunde care încă mai există în societate. Utilizarea
violenţei nu este calea pentru a reconstrui statul pe fundamente democratice.
Consider că reacţia armatei egiptene la manifestaţia paşnică a creştinilor copţi
reprezintă o demonstraţie de forţă periculoasă. Tensiunile inter-religioase pot
destabiliza Egiptul şi întreaga regiune. Pentru a le evita, autorităţile
egiptene au datoria să facă lumina asupra acestor incidente. Trebuie clarificat
şi rolul televiziunii naţionale, care a transmis informaţii voit eronate, cu
efect de agravare a situaţiei. Solicit Înaltului Reprezentant să accentueze
aceste aspecte în dialogul cu autorităţile egiptene.
Corina Creţu (S&D), în scris. – Îmi exprim aprecierea
faţă de desemnarea activistei yemenite pentru drepturile femeilor şi pentru
democraţie, Tawakkul Karman, între cele trei laureate ale Premiului Nobel pentru
Pace din acest an. De altfel, acordarea prestigiosului premiu acestor militante
pentru drepturile femeilor reprezintă o recunoaştere şi un stimul pentru rolul
activ asumat, în ciuda riscurilor, pentru promovarea ideii unei societăţi
paşnice şi juste. Din păcate, duminică, peste 40 de femei au fost rănite în
Yemen, în cursul unei manifestaţii ce marca atribuirea Nobelului compatrioatei
lor. Este o agresiune primitivă, elocventă pentru climatul de violenţă şi
teroare în care trăiesc femeile yemenite.
Condamn ferm acest gen de atacuri şi solicit Uniunii Europene
să fie mai drastică în apărarea drepturilor omului, inclusiv ale femeilor. Un
asemenea act demonstrează că în Yemen nu este vorba doar despre plecarea de la
putere a preşedintelui Saleh. După cum violenţele împotriva creştinilor din
Cairo şi epurarea confesională din Irak arată că detronarea dictatorilor rămâne
doar o premisă firavă a democratizării, pe care suntem datori să o susţinem mult
mai mult.
João Ferreira (GUE/NGL), por escrito. – Os manifestantes que,
há poucos dias, voltaram à Praça Tahir para exigir à Junta Militar que governa o
Egipto (e onde se incluem os ex-responsáveis do regime de Hosni Mubarak) que
transfira o poder, revogue o estado de emergência, altere a lei eleitoral e
cumpra as promessas de melhoria das condições de vida da população, foram
violentamente desalojados pelas forças especiais do regime. A repressão da
legítima indignação popular ainda é das poucas coisas certas no Egipto.
Forças sociais e políticas egípcias têm alertado para o facto
de a situação no país piorar de dia para dia desde o referendo em que os
militares reclamam ter legitimado a sua governação. Denunciam a liberdade
manietada, as manifestações criminalizadas, a violência da polícia civil e
militar, o julgamento de civis em tribunais militares e as milícias
reaccionárias, assim como a recusa de o governo não querer aumentar o salário
mínimo e impor um salário máximo, ao mesmo tempo que aumenta preços e insiste em
vender barato recursos nacionais como o gás. Neste cenário, é importante que a
UE inverta a postura de complacência e cumplicidade que manteve durante quase
duas décadas com o regime de Mubarak, bem patente nas parcerias e acordos
assinados, apesar das denúncias frequentes de diversas organizações quanto à
brutalidade do regime.
Bogdan Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz (PPE), na piśmie. – Panie Przewodniczący!
Obserwując sytuację na Półwyspie Arabskim, niepokoję się o realia państw
dotkniętych serią antyrządowych protestów o tak ogromnym rozmiarze. Tysiące
ludzi zginęło w wyniku zamieszek, a jeszcze więcej zostało rannych. Do chwili
obecnej sytuacja nie pozostawia złudzeń co do zaciętości konfliktu, czego
dowodem może być wydarzenie sprzed kilku dni („Mężczyźni opłacani przez reżim
prezydenta Jemenu Ali Abdullaha Saliha zaatakowali kamieniami i butelkami
uczestników demonstracji z okazji przyznania Pokojowej Nagrody Nobla jemeńskiej
dziennikarce Tawakkul Karman, raniąc 40 kobiet.”).
Wyjątkowy stan, w jakim znalazły się obydwa państwa, zaburza
funkcjonowanie ich na wszystkich poziomach, łamane są prawa człowieka, dlatego
należy doprowadzić do rozwiązania konfliktu między grupami opozycyjnymi a
władzami. Konieczne jest zapanowanie pokoju oraz porozumienia między stronami
oraz zaprzestanie przez rząd ataków na ludność cywilną. Apeluję do władz Jemenu
i Bahrajnu o pokojowe zażegnanie konfliktu oraz zapewnienie obywatelom wolności
i swobód obywatelskich. Niepokojące są również działania Al-Kaidy na wcześniej
wspomnianych terytoriach, np. zamach na ministra obrony Jemenu, który dowodził
ofensywą wojskową skierowaną przeciwko Al-Kaidzie. Walka z terroryzmem oraz
zapewnianie bezpieczeństwa w tym rejonie świata powinny odbywać się zgodnie z
zasadami ochrony praw człowieka. Należy apelować o zaprzestanie arbitralnych
pobić i aresztowań. Unia Europejska może odegrać dużą rolę, podkreślając
konieczność rzeczywistego wprowadzenia różnorodnych inicjatyw politycznych celem
poparcia pro-demokratycznych reform w krajach arabskich.