Strasbourg, 16/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament adopted a joint resolution from the EPP, S&D, ALDE, Greens/EFA, ECR and GUE/NGL groups in plenary session in Strasbourg on Thursday 15 September in which it says it is concerned over the deplorable human rights situation in Eritrea, in particular with regard to freedom of expression and the detention of political prisoners, including Swedish journalist Dawit Isaak and a further dozen independent journalists and former high-ranking figures. MEPs urge Eritrea to lift the ban on the country's independent press and immediately to release the journalists under detention, and the EU High Representative to step up efforts to secure the release of Isaak and the other political prisoners being held by the Eritrean government. The Parliament calls on the Council to make more active use of the dialogue mechanisms associated with the EU development assistance programme for Eritrea in order to find solutions that will lead to the release of political prisoners and improved democratic governance in the country. (EH/transl.rt)