Brussels, 07/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - In a joint resolution on Thursday 6 February, the European Parliament strongly criticised the lack of respect for human rights in the region of Transnistria, particularly in education.
The European Parliament condemns “the increased administrative pressure being exercised by the self-proclaimed authorities in Transnistria” towards Romanian teaching institutions, and calls for “greater involvement of the EU in solving this conflict in its immediate neighbourhood”. It wants “a speedy procedure” for visa liberalisation with Moldova and the “speeding up of the technical procedures leading to the signing and provisional application of the Association Agreement”. MEPs call on the OSCE “to continue its monitoring and negotiation facilitation activities and to defend the right to education of the students of the Romanian-language schools in Transnistria”.
At the EP plenary, various human rights issued were discussed, like the situation in Thailand and Bahrain. MEPs called for free and fair elections in Thailand, criticising “the destructive actions of anti-government protestors who prevented voters from casting their ballot” in the recent elections (26 January to 2 February 2014). MEPs note: “Both government supporters and anti-government demonstrators should refrain from any political violence and move forward within Thailand's democratic and constitutional framework”.
MEPs say the EU foreign policy chief and member countries should work together “to develop a clear strategy” in respect of EU actions “to actively push for the release of the imprisoned activists and prisoners of conscience” in Bahrain. The EP insists on “the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience, political activists, journalists, human rights defenders and peaceful protesters”. (CG/transl.fl)