B4-0770, 0779, 0786, 0789, 0798, 0821 and 0824/96

Resolution on Burundi

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on the situation in Burundi, in particular that of 12 October 1995 on the murder of two missionaries and a volunteer in Burundi (( OJ C 287, 30.10.1995, p. 199. )),

A. deeply concerned at the continuing violence in Burundi which may lead to a full-scale conflict and represents a serious threat to the stability of the whole region,

B. having learnt with dismay and deep shock of the deaths of Mr Juan Ruffino, Mr Reto Neuensshwander and Mr Cédric Martin, Red Cross delegates in Burundi, during an ambush in Cibitoke province where they were assisting thousands of displaced persons,

C. alarmed at the murderous escalation of violence towards humanitarian aid workers in Burundi, and concerned that these threats might lead to the international presence being withdrawn, with the consequent risk of open conflict being unleashed,

D. seriously concerned at the difficulties, linked particularly to the lack of security, that are being experienced by most humanitarian organizations in assisting the distressed civilian population, and at the fact that many of these organizations have been compelled to leave the country,

E. reiterating its full support for Burundi's legitimate democratic institutions which are endeavouring to ensure that the 'Government Convention' of 10 October 1994 is upheld and to disarm the uncontrolled gangs of extremists who are spreading terror throughout the country,

1. Firmly condemns the murder of the three ICRC members and all other murders and acts of violence that are inflicted on the civilian population by bands of extremists and elements of the army;

2. Demands that a swift, thorough and objective enquiry be set up immediately into the death of the three ICRC delegates;

3. Conveys its condolences to the families of the victims and to the ICRC;

4. Pays warm tribute to the courageous work performed by all humanitarian aid workers, in Burundi and in other countries, in particularly difficult circumstances for the benefit of the local peoples;

5. Calls on the Commission to uphold its humanitarian aid measures where needed and to introduce the necessary mechanisms to protect staff and shipments of aid; urges the Commission to keep its office in Burundi open;

6. Appeals once again to all the political parties in dispute to put an end to violence and initiate a frank and constructive dialogue aimed at finding a democratic and peaceful political solution to the problems facing Burundi;

7. Urges the international community and the EU in particular to take concrete and urgent action to prevent a further escalation of violence, namely by:

- creating a United Nations international force ready to intervene if necessary, as proposed by the UN Secretary-General and supported by the OAU;

- abiding fully by the EU global action plan agreed at Carcassonne and implementing an effective EU common policy in the Great Lakes region;

- providing assistance for the restoration of an effective system of justice in order to break the vicious circle of impunity;

8. Supports with conviction the efforts made by former President Nyerere, which resulted in direct negotiations between the opposing parties, and the action of the European Union Special Envoy; asks the Council and Commission to take the political and diplomatic steps to ensure that these initiatives can lead Burundi to peace and stability;

9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the ACP General Secretariat, the Government of Burundi and the UN and OAU Secretaries-General.