Strasbourg, 25/11/2002 (Agence Europe) - Last Thursday, the EP adopted a resolution tabled by six political groups on human rights in Sudan in which it welcomes the memorandum of understanding on the cessation of hostilities of 15 October and calls for it to be respected by both parties to this civil war (that has lasted practically twenty years and left over two million dead). The EP condemns human rights violations that continue to be committed and calls on the Commission to report back on the "possible involvement of European oil companies in abuses committed against the local communities in oil-producing areas." (the EP also deplores the fact that oil revenue, whereas it could have contributed to the country's development, has financed military spending) and "has so far only served to intensify hostilities"). Parliament, moreover, demands the immediate abolition of emergency tribunals and the commuting of death sentences that have been passed, and, welcoming progress in the dialogue between the EU and Sudan, hopes that the conditions for a resumption of normal relations, in the framework of the Cotonou Agreement, will be met as soon as possible. According to the EP, the Commission should "substantially increase staffing levels at the EU delegation in Khartoum, with a view to the additional tasks that will be assigned to the European Union". As for Sudan's intention of hosting the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly next spring (see EUROPE of 16 November, p.12), the EP said it "expects a final peace agreement to be concluded and the other requirements for a resumption of co-operation with the European Union".