B4-1046, 1053, 1069, 1078 and 1088/97

Resolution on Nigeria

The European Parliament,

- having regard to common position 95/544/CFSP of 4 December 1995, defined by the Council on the basis of Article J.2 of the EU Treaty, on Nigeria ((OJ L 309, 21.12.1995, p. 1.)),

- having regard to the Council Decisions of 28 November 1997 to extend the validity of the common position referred to above ((OJ L 338, 9.12.1997, p. 8.)), concerning its implementation ((OJ L 338, 9.12.1997, p. 7.)),

- having regard to its previous resolutions on Nigeria,

A. whereas the democratic process in Nigeria was brutally interrupted in 1993 with the annulment of the presidential elections and the establishment of a military regime led by General Abacha,

B. deeply concerned by the repeated violations of human rights by the Nigerian regime, despite all international pressure seeking to achieve the restoration of democracy, independence of the judicial system, the rule of law, freedom of the press and respect for human rights in the country,

C. shocked by the death of General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua while being held as a political prisoner in Nigeria, one of the main political opponents of the current regime who had been imprisoned in inhuman conditions since 1995,

D. deeply concerned by the conditions of detention of the other political prisoners and by the constant harassment, persecution and arrests of members of the democratic opposition,

E. whereas on 28 November 1997 the Council only prolonged the sanctions against Nigeria by one year, despite the fact that these sanctions have been breached in part and have not been effective; concerned by the manipulation of these sanctions in their favour by certain oil companies operating in Nigeria,

F. deploring the fact that Nigeria's prosperity brought about through its oil wealth prompts some parts of the international community to show a culpable indulgence towards that country,

G. regretting that an exception has been made to enable Nigeria to participate in the football World Cup and that an opportunity to influence human rights policy in Nigeria rights has thus been lost,

1. Reiterates its condemnation of the military regime in Nigeria which continues systematically to violate fundamental human rights and to oppress its opponents and all the democratic forces in the country;

2. Notes that the sanctions currently applied by the European Union against Nigeria have not proved to be really effective and calls, therefore, on the European Union and its Member States to be vigilant with regard to the effectiveness of the implementation of its sanctions;

3. Stresses that an international oil embargo would be the most effective way of depriving the military junta of its main source of revenue and forcing the Nigerian authorities to restore democracy;

4. Requests the Member States not to grant visas to members of the Nigerian regime and to take the necessary measures to freeze their financial assets and to grant refugee status to Nigerians in exile who are opposed to the military regime;

5. Urges the Nigerian government to release all political prisoners, including Moshood Abiola, Olusegun Obansanjo, Frank Kokori and Beko Ransome-Kuti and Ogana Ifowodo;

6. Urges the Government to withdraw its charges against the Nobel prize winner for literature, Wole Soyinka, and to allow him to return to his country without fear of reprisals;

7. Stresses the need for stronger measures for the protection of the environment, in particular in areas where oil is extracted;

8. Welcomes the United Nations Human Rights Commission's resolution on Nigeria and urges the UN to appoint a special rapporteur for the country;

9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States, the United Nations Secretary-General, the Nigerian authorities, the OAU Secretary-General and the co-presidents of the ACP-EU Joint Assembly.