Brussels, 05/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - Concerned by the severity of the political crisis that has been affecting Djibouti since the legislative elections in February 2013, and in particular by the disproportionate use of force against demonstrations by opposition parties, MEPs called on the authorities of the country, on Thursday 4 July, to put an end to the crackdown on the opposition and to release all those detained for political reasons. The resolution on human rights in this country adopted by the plenary session called for a judicial inquiry to be opened immediately in order to shed light on and punish violations of human rights. MEPs firmly condemn the acts of sexual violence against women.
Human rights must be safeguarded, as should civil and political rights and freedoms, including the right to demonstrate peacefully and freedom of the press, MEPs say. Parliament gives its assurance that it will closely monitor the situation and states it is ready to propose restrictive measures to cooperation between the UE and Djibouti, in accordance with Articles 8 and 9 of the Cotonou agreement. In the case of violation of the essential elements of the Cotonou agreement, such as respect of human rights, respect of democratic principles, of rule of law and of good governance, provision will be made for political dialogue to be opened with a view to remedying the situation, and will impose the risk of partial or total suspension of cooperation if political dialogue were to fail. (AN/transl.jl)