Mr President, Commissioner, President-in-Office of the Council, today this House is examining the human rights situation and European policy in relation to third countries. I have decided to devote my speech to Syria. I am sure you will be aware of the fact that, in that country, the defenders of human rights and democratic freedoms are suffering constant pressure and harassment. Several reports by NGOs condemn flagrant violations: people in prison because of their opinions, political exiles, repeated interrogations, interruption of speakers, arrests, torture, and sometimes disappearances. Aktham Naissé, Chairman of the Committees for the Defence of Democratic Freedoms and Human Rights in Syria, was arrested on 13 April by the military security forces. He is being held in detention at a secret location. He is not allowed to have his medical treatment, despite the fact that his state of health is giving grave cause for concern. It even seems that he will shortly have to appear before the State Security Court. Is there any threat to public order or act of terrorism in defending human rights? Ahmad Khazen and Hassan Watfa were arrested on 15 and 16 March 2004 by the military security forces and sentenced to prison for having taken part in a deputation to the parliament, calling for democratic reforms and the lifting of the state of emergency. To date, Syrian civil society has still not heard or seen any reaction from the European Commission. Yet the Commission’s delegation to Damascus has already witnessed several of these violations. It is not a matter of interference, but rather of defending universal values for which we have a responsibility. Allow me to remind you that we are currently in the process of negotiating an association agreement with Syria. Agreements of this type are based on the rule of law, and Article 2 of such agreements clearly stipulates an undertaking, on the part of both parties, to respect human rights. In Syria, a state of emergency has been in existence for 41 years, thus enabling martial law to be applied by means of military courts. This is contrary to the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms as guaranteed by international law and the Barcelona Declaration. Exactly one month ago, on 22 March in Athens, we created the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly, of which Syria is a member. Such a partnership can only be constructed on the basis of certain requirements such as respect for human rights and democratic freedoms. I should therefore like to ask you to intervene as a matter of urgency with the Syrian authorities, and ask them to guarantee the integrity of the people I have just referred to, to order their immediate and unconditional release, to put an end to the constant pressure and harassment, to respect international law and to comply with the provisions of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the international instruments which have been ratified by Syria. Our democracies have ways of exerting pressure. If we do not use them to ensure that our universal values are respected we shall lose our souls. There are many of us, Commissioner, President-in-Office of the Council, who are waiting for a response from you, because no indulgence can be allowed when human rights are being violated.

Political group: Verts-ALE