Brussels, 11/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 11 March, the European Parliament called on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to contribute to the resolution of the Syrian crisis. In the report by Ana Gomes MEP (S&D, Portugal) on Saudi Arabia's relations with the EU and its role in the Middle East and North Africa, which MEPs adopted by 546 votes in favour, 32 against and 17 abstentions, MEPs call on the country “to contribute to a peaceful and inclusive outcome to the Syrian conflict, especially by bringing its support to the Geneva II talks, without posing prior conditions”. Saudi Arabia should put an end to the financial, military and political support that it gives extremist groups, and encourage the other countries to do the same, the European Parliament adds. It also calls for “more active support and all the humanitarian aid possible” for the Syrian people.
The report calls on Saudi Arabia to make progress in the area of human rights and especially on women's rights - but also those of immigrant workers. MEPs ask the Saudi authorities “to start a dialogue on human rights with the European Union so that it is easier to understand and to determine what changes are necessary”. The Parliament reiterates that any negotiation with a view to an EU free trade agreement, as well as the effectiveness in the fight against terrorism and extremist violence and cooperation with the EU in this area, are subject to the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. (CG/transl.fl)/