Brussels, 14/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 12 October, MEPs discussed the situation in Egypt, Syria, Yemen and Bahrain, expressing concern about the way the Arab Spring is developing.
Kristiina Ojuland (ALDE, Estonia) expressed regret that the Arab Spring for democracy was now changing to an autumn of violence. She was all for the Arab Spring continuing.
Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL, Portugal), for her part, denounced the EU's “double standards”. She asked what criteria the Union was using for each case, saying: “We are sometimes taken hostage by the interests of certain member states. Sometimes we impose sanctions, sometimes not; sometimes we are at the limit of bombing, sometimes there is total silence. (…) We have been more silent than active. (…) We do not favour the Arab Spring, we prevent it from spreading”.
MEPs called for greater EU investment. “It is necessary for the EU to support civil society's efforts, the efforts of those who undertake to bring about a peaceful change”, stressed, inter alia, Barbara Lochbihlesr (Greens/EFA, Germany). Kristian Vigenin (S&D, Bulgaria) suggested there should be greater cooperation between the EU and its neighbours. “There are states, and here I am thinking of Turkey, with which we can work. We must be more active, counting on these states to find a solution”, he explained.
MEPs above all discussed the crackdown on the Coptic demonstration in Egypt, which caused some 20 fatalities and left hundreds wounded. “What we saw in Egypt on Sunday evening was totally unacceptable”, said EU High Representative Catherine Ashton with indignation, adding that the protection of human rights is essential as that is the only way to guarantee true democracy.
Hans-Gert Pöttering (EPP, Germany) underlined that many Christians have been killed or even assassinated. He said the EU must be very concerned about this and call on the countries of the Arab Spring rebellion to protect minorities, failing which this will turn against their own freedom. He also underlined that one should not forget the millions of peaceful Muslims who demonstrated alongside the Coptic Christians. Pöttering and others called for light to be shed on the events in question and for those responsible to be brought to justice. Fiorello Provera (EFD, Italy) pointed out that, in addition to the crackdown on the Coptic Christians, extremism is on the increase. The Israeli Embassy has been attacked and there have been attacks against a gas pipeline in the Sinaï, and certain parties hope to go back on the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. “Would it not be a good thing (…) if aid were directed to the political, social and trade union forces that are fighting for democracy and stability in Egypt?”, Provera asked.
MEPs again condemned the repression in Syria and denounced the attitude adopted by China and Russia with regard to the UN resolution. They also called for a truly peaceful transition in Yemen and Bahrain and for the release of pacifist demonstrators. (CG/transl.jl)