Strasbourg, 09/10/2000 (Agence Europe) - In its emergency debates, the European Parliament adopted a resolution tabled by five political groups on the situation in Peru following the resignation of President Fujimori, calling on the outgoing president to convene presidential and parliamentary elections as soon as possible and to cooperate unreservedly with international observers. Recalling that human rights violations, arms and drugs trafficking were crimes that could give rise to prosecution at world level, Parliament states that the former advisor to the intelligence services, Vladimiro Montesino must not receive political asylum in Panama (Parliament says it is "surprised" that this request should have been lodged). Furthermore,, intending to send a delegation to Peru to seek out information on the ground on the "prospects for a peaceful change", Parliament urged the Commission to launch a special programme to provide active support for this "new phase of the democratic process" in the country.
The next elections in Peru will provide the country with an opportunity for democracy, but only if Mr. Fujimori does not stand, said Commissioner Gunter Verheugen, stipulating that the European Commission was examining how to contribute to preparing the democratic elections in Peru and, possibly, sending a mission of observers.
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