Brussels, 27/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 27 October, MEPs gave their support to the democratic aspirations of the Egyptian and Syrian people and Christian communities, specifying that the freedom of religion, conviction, conscience and opinion are fundamental and universal values that make up the essential elements of democracy. Since March 2011, tens of thousands of Coptic Christians are said to have left Egypt and, on 9 October, 25 Egyptian citizens were killed and over 300 were wounded during a peaceful demonstration march organised in Cairo by the Coptic Christians.
With the adoption of a resolution common to the different political groups on the situation in Egypt and Syria, in particular regarding the Christian communicates, MEPs express their solidarity towards Egypt, during this critical and difficult time for democratic transition. They condemn the deaths of demonstrators and remind the Egyptian authorities of their responsibility to ensure the safety of all citizens and the respect of fundamental rights. They call for the immediate lifting of the state of emergency which violates the rights of freedom of expression, association and meeting. MEPs call on the member states to strictly comply with the Union's code of conduct on arms exports and recommend sanctions in the event of serious human rights violations. The EP invites the EU and member states to continue supporting efforts aimed at speeding up democratic, economic and social reforms in Egypt.
The Parliament strongly condemns the disproportionate use of brutal force and the systematic persecution in Syria of peaceful demonstrators, human rights activists, journalists and medical personnel, and states its grave concern at the gravity of violations of human rights and at the situation of the Christians. MEPs denounce the acts of violence, harassment and intimidation against Syrians even within the EU. The Parliament welcomes the sanctions taken by the EU and states its support, so that the EU will continue to encourage UN action for stepping up international pressure. (CG/transl.jl)