RESOLUTION(1)

on the situation in Nigeria

The ACP-EU Joint Assembly,

- meeting in Strasbourg (France) from 29 March to 1 April 1999,

- recalling its previous resolutions on the situation in Nigeria,

- recalling the EU Presidency's declaration of 3 March 1999,

A. whereas Presidential elections took place in Nigeria on 27 February 1999,

B. whereas these elections were clearly won by General Obasanjo, a former head of state and the only military leader who had previously handed over power to a democratically-elected civilian government,

C. whereas the hand-over of power to the democratically elected president on 29 May 1999 will end fifteen years of military dictatorship that disregarded the most basic human rights of the Nigerian people, stifled the country's economic and social life, enriched the military junta, spread the practice of corruption and brought the country to the brink of financial collapse,

D. whereas the elections were held peacefully, on the basis of a multi-party system and democratic principles, and are regarded by international observers as generally reflecting the wishes of the Nigerian people, despite some irregularities that need to be investigated,

E. whereas Nigeria has great political, economic and demographic importance in Africa, and whereas sustained democratic development in this country could have very positive repercussions - both in political and in economic terms - on the immediate sub-region and, indeed, the whole continent,

1. Expresses its satisfaction at the holding of the presidential elections in Nigeria and congratulates the President-elect, General Obasanjo, and all the Nigerian people for an election held in a spirit of openness and which proceeded peacefully;

2. Observes that there was an outbreak of violence in some parts of the country after the elections and appeals to all parties concerned to eschew bitterness and in particular to the defeated candidate, former Minister Falae, to accept and honour the results and to contribute to the appeasement of the country and the welfare of the Nigerian people;

3. Nevertheless draws attention to some irregularities that were encountered in the running of the election and that need to be urgently investigated;

4. Hopes that the new president will be successful in appeasing regional tensions within the country and in maintaining national unity with the consensus of the Nigerian people;

5. Calls on the new Government to attach the highest priority to the development of a democratic culture in Nigerian society - in particular within the military establishment - and to strengthening the rule of law, respect for human rights and good governance;

6. Calls on the Commission to propose without delay a package of measures to promote and accompany the necessary political and economic reforms that now represent the biggest challenge for the newly elected president;

7. In the light of the above, calls on the EU Council to review its common position on Nigeria at the earliest opportunity;

8. Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the ACP-EU Council, the Commission and the OAU.

(1) Adopted by the ACP-EU Joint Assembly on 1 April 1999 in Strasbourg (France).