EU must put pressure on partners over Human Rights

9.50.10am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 23rd Feb 2005

The European Parliament debates a resolution on Human Rights today ahead of the annual Geneva UN Human Rights Commission meeting next month. In this context ALDE group leader, Graham Watson, highlighted two specific cases of human rights concerns in countries enjoying privileged relations with the EU. Both cases involved the leaders of a democratic opposition who recently had their immunity lifted and facing real or imminent prison sentences for voicing criticism of the regime. "The ALDE group will be focusing particular attention on concerns over human rights during this legislature", stated Watson. "The declarations concerning external policy of the Union must be followed up with action, either in the form of sanctions, withdrawal of aid or diplomatic overtures if we are to have any benevolent influence around the globe."

Sam Rainsy, leader of the democratic opposition on Cambodia joined Watson yesterday at the monthly press briefing in Strasbourg of the Liberal Democrat group leader to highlight the worrying developments in his country. He described how he had been forced to flee the country to avoid imprisonment though one of his parliamentary colleagues had been detained. They are charged with denouncing corruption amongst the country's political elite. He appealed to the International community, and especially the European Parliament, to intervene and exert diplomatic and political pressure on the regime to guarantee his safe return, the release of his fellow parliamentarians and end the slide towards totalitarianism. ALDE group will be seeking cross-party support for an urgency motion at its next part session on 7-10 March.

In Egypt, Ayman Nour, leader of the liberal party, El-Ghad, was also arrested on 28th January, accused of forging signatures to establish his party. He was subsequently sentenced to 45 days in prison while a Court examines the allegations. "Egypt is currently portraying itself as a power broker in the Middle East Peace process, yet it seems reluctant to accept democratisation at home", said Emma Bonino, (ALDE, Italian Radical) who is closely monitoring the case of Mr. Nour. "The evaluation of the EU-Mediterranean partnership this week in Strasbourg is an appropriate occasion to raise such matters as political dialogue is a crucial part of the association agreements", she added.