B4-0228, 0236, 0267, 0270, 0283 and 0291/95

Resolution on the border dispute between Ecuador and Peru

The European Parliament,

A. worried by the fresh outbreak since the end of January 1995 of the border dispute between Ecuador and Peru, which has resulted in an escalation of military clashes between the countries' armies,

B. worried by the armed clashes that have taken place, which have caused considerable loss of life and displaced communities in the disputed border area,

C. worried by the situation of the indigenous communities living on either side of the border in the middle of the disputed area,

D. denouncing the serious situation affecting the population in the area, where more than 15 000 people (according to the Latin-American Association for Human Rights) have been displaced on both sides of the frontier, most of them women and children from four Indian communities, and the serious damage to the local ecosystem, which includes species unique to that part of the world,

E. worried by both countries' rearming and increasing border militarization, which could become more extensive and more intense,

F. acknowledging the importance of international mediation, and in particular the role which can be played by the relevant Latin-American authorities, in the search for a peaceful and negotiated solution to the conflict,

The European Parliament,

1. Deplores the loss of life as a result of the stances maintained by the Governments of Peru and Ecuador over the last few days, in particular the dangerous appeals to nationalism, which can only exacerbate relations between the two states' nationals;

2. Feels hopeful about the unilateral ceasefire declarations, but at the same time strongly urges the Governments of Peru and Ecuador to agree formally on the implementation of the cessation of hostilities;

3. Calls on the international community to refrain from exporting any arms to Ecuador and Peru until the dispute has ceased and a peaceful settlement has been achieved;

4. Draws attention to the enormous damage which the conflict could do to both countries' economies, leading to an international lack of confidence and discouraging the EU from pursuing its development cooperation efforts in the area, with the most disadvantaged sections of society bearing the brunt of this;

5. Stresses that diplomatic negotiations are the only effective and appropriate way of ending the conflict and therefore urges both sides to step up diplomatic efforts to achieve a peaceful solution to the conflict;

6. Backs the diplomatic efforts undertaken by the guarantors of the Rio de Janeiro Protocol (Argentina, Brazil, Chile and the US), as trusted intermediaries, to end the long-running territorial dispute between the two countries once and for all;

7. Calls on the Council to consider whether it would be appropriate to intervene, if asked to do so by the parties concerned, in the search for a definitive and peaceful solution to the border dispute between the two countries;

8. Urges the Governments of Peru and Ecuador to take all necessary emergency measures to guarantee the safety of the local population, in particular that of the indigenous communities in the middle of the disputed area;

9. Issues a solemn appeal to the Governments of Peru and Ecuador, and to the entire international community in general, to cooperate in securing a fair agreement on this dispute and to ensure that not one more drop of blood is shed in future because of this issue;

10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Governments of Ecuador and Peru, the Organization of American States, the United Nations, the guarantors of the Rio Protocol, the Andean Parliament and the Latin-American Parliament.