Strasbourg, 19/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - In a common resolution from the EPP-ED, PES, ALDE and UEN groups adopted in Strasbourg on Thursday 18 December, the European Parliament condemns the attacks against supporters of human rights, civil liberties and democracy in Nicaragua. The day after the local elections on 9 November, the Parliament said “the results lack all democratic legitimacy”. Deploring the climate of fraud suspicion in certain Nicaraguan municipalities that led to armed clashes and worsened a deep political crisis, the Parliament calls on the authorities of the country to adopt the necessary measures to restore peace. Denouncing the attacks upon independent journalists and human rights organisations, it calls on the Nicaraguan government to respect the work they are doing. Concerned by the lack of progress in democratic consolidation and governance in Nicaragua, including with regard to the process of inclusion and active participation (two political parties have not been able to take part in local elections), the Parliament urges the authorities of the country to protect freedom of expression and the independence of justice and to ratify the Rome Statute as soon as possible, establishing the International Criminal Tribunal. Finally, the Parliament stresses the need for Nicaragua to undertake to abide by the principles of rule of law, democracy and human rights in the context of the future EU/Central America Association Agreement. (E.H./transl.jl)