Strasbourg, 18/09/2009 (Agence Europe) - Adopting a resolution in Strasbourg on Thursday 17 September that was jointly tabled by the EPP, S&D, ALDE, Greens/EFA and ECR, the European Parliament urged the Syrian government to immediately release Muhannad al-Hassani and to ensure his physical and psychological health at all times. The EP also urges Syria to end the persecution and harassment of human rights activists and their families and to immediately release all political prisoners and human rights activists in detention, including Anwar al-Bunni and Kamal Labwani. The European Parliament wants the Syrian government to ensure transparency in the judicial system, particularly the country's Supreme State Security Court. The MEPs also asked the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU, the EU Council of Ministers and the European Commission to adopt a roadmap before an Association Agreement is signed, clearly setting out the improvements the Syrian authorities are expected to make in the field of human rights. (O.J./transl.fl)