Texten fördömer kraftigt Rysslands agerande och Gunnar Hökmark, som varit drivande i förhandlingarna för EPP-ED gruppens räkning, är nöjd med att man enats om det tydliga budskapet. Bland annat uttalar man från parlamentets sida fortsatt stöd för Georgiens oberoende och suveränitet samt fördömanden av Rysslands erkännande av utbrytar-territorierna Sydossetien och Abchaziens självständighet.
Läs utkastet till resolutionen i sin helhet nedan:
The European Parliament,
having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia and, in particular, those of 26 October 2006, 29 November 2007 and 5 June 2008,
having regard to its resolution of 15 November 2007 on strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), and its resolutions of 17 January 2008 on a more effective EU policy for the South Caucasus, and on a Black Sea Regional Policy Approach,
having regard to the European Neighbourhood Policy’s Action Plan adopted with Georgia which includes a commitment to cooperation for the settlement of Georgia’s internal conflicts,
having regard to the Council Joint Action 2008/8539 of 9 June 2008 on the contribution of the European Union to the conflict settlement process in Georgia/South Ossetia and other previous Council Joint Actions on this same subject,
having regard to its previous resolutions on EU-Russia relations, particularly its resolution on the EU-Russia Summit of 19 June 2008,
having regard to the conclusions of the meeting of the General Affairs External Relations Council’s on the situation in Georgia of 13 August 2008,
– having regard to the conclusions of the extraordinary meeting of the European Council held in Brussels on 1st September 2008,
having regard to UN Security Council Resolutions 1781 (2007) and 1808 (2008) that supports the territorial integrity of Georgia and extends the mandate of the EU Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) until 15 October 2008,
having regard to the decision n°861 of OSCE on increasing the number of military officers in the OSCE mission to Georgia,
having regard to the NATO Bucharest Summit Declaration of 3 April 2008 and to the outcome of the NATO Council meeting of 19/08/08,
having regard to Rule 103(4) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas the EU remains committed to supporting the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders, (PES A.)
B. whereas distribution of Russian passports to citizens in South Ossetia and support to the separatist movement together with increased military activities from separatists versus villages with Georgian population have increased the tensions in South Ossetia, combined with large Russian military manoeuvres during July close to the border of Georgia, (A. PPE)
C. whereas after several weeks of increased tension and skirmishing between the parties and provocations by the South Ossetian separatist forces with bomb attacks, deadly clashes, shootouts and shelling which caused the death of many civilians and many more injured, in the night between 7 and 8 August the Georgian army launched a surprise artillery attack on Tskhinvali followed by a ground operation using both tanks and soldiers aimed at restoring the control of South Ossetia, (A. Greens)
D. whereas Russia responded immediately after a long-term military build-up with a massive counter-attack, sending in tanks and ground troops, bombing several locations in Georgia, including the town of Gori, and blocking Georgian Black Sea ports, (PES C.)
E. whereas about 158.000 people were uprooted by the crisis and forced to leave their homes and must be assisted and facilitated in their efforts to return; whereas the presence of cluster munitions, unexploded ordnance and landmines as well as the Russian warnings and the lack of cooperation make the return unsafe ; (Greens G.)
F. whereas the infrastructure of Georgia is heavily damaged by the Russian military actions and humanitarian aid is needed, (C. UEN)
G. whereas international human rights researchers and military analysts have documented the use by the Russian troops of cluster munitions in Georgia leaving thousands of unexploded ordnance in the conflict areas; whereas Georgia has also admitted the use of cluster bombs in South Ossetia nearby the Roki tunnel, (Greens I. mod)
H. whereas on 12 August the Presidents of Georgia and Russia committed themselves to an agreement on the basis of the mediation efforts carried out by the EU providing for an immediate cease-fire, the withdrawal of Georgian and Russian forces to their positions prior to 7 August and the opening of international talks on an international mechanism to be set up rapidly in order to prepare for a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict, (PPE D)
I. whereas on 19 August NATO suspended regular top-level ties with Russia saying that Russia’s military action has been ”disproportionate” and ”inconsistent with its peacekeeping role in parts of Georgia” and that ”business as usual” could not continue while Russian troops remain in Georgia, (PPE E.)
J. whereas on 22 August Russia withdrew tanks, artillery and hundreds of troops from their most advanced positions in Georgia but still controlling access to the port city of Poti, south of Abkhazia, (PPE F.) and the Russian government announcing that it will keep troops in a security zone around South Ossetia and Abkhazia establishing a number of check points at which Russian troops will be deployed; (PES E. mod)
K. whereas on 25 August, the Russia’s Upper House of Parliament voted a resolution asking the President to recognise the independence of Georgia’s breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which, on 26 August, was followed by President Medvedev’s decision that Russia is formally recognising the two regions as independent states, (PPE G.)
L. whereas this conflict is having far-reaching implications for regional stability and security, going well beyond the direct relationship between all sides in the conflict, with e repercussions for the EU-Russia relationship, the European Neighbourhood Policy, the Black Sea Region and beyond, (PES G. mod)
M. whereas the European Union must maintain its full political unity in response to the crisis in Georgia and speak with one voice, in particular in relations with Russia; and whereas the process towards a peaceful and stable solution to the conflicts in Georgia and in the Caucasus will demand a comprehensive revision of the EU’s Neighbourhood Policy and a new engagement with the whole region, and in co-operation with all European and international organisations, notably the OSCE, (ALDE E.)
N. whereas last week the Georgian government broke off diplomatic relations with Russia and the Russian Federation responded by doing the same, (Greens L.)
1. Takes the view that there cannot be a military solution to the conflicts in the Caucasus and expresses its firm condemnation of all those who resorted to force and violence in order to change the situation in the Georgian breakaway territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia; (new)
2. Calls on Russia to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of the internationally recognised borders of the Republic of Georgia and therefore strongly condemns the recognition by the Russian Federation of the independence of the Georgian breakaway territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as against international law; (EPP 1. mod)
3. Points out that any decision on the final status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia must be conditional to the fulfilment of the basic principles of international law, including the Helsinki final act, with regard, in particular, to the return of refugees and the respect of their properties and the guarantees and the respect for minority rights; (Greens 6. second part mod)
4. Condemns the unacceptable and disproportionate military actions by Russia and deep incursion into Georgia which violates international law; (PES 3. modified) Underlines that there exists no legitimate reasons for Russia to invade Georgia, to occupy parts of it and to threaten to override the government of a democratic country; (EPP 2. first part)
5. Deplores the loss of life and human suffering caused by the use of indiscriminate force from all parties engaged in the conflict; (PES 2.)
6. Expresses deep concern at the effect of Russian mines on the social and economic activity of Georgia, in particular with regard to the blowing up of a railway bridge near Kaspi on 16th August on the main rail link from Tbilisi to Poti and the explosion caused to the fuel train near Gori on 24th August carrying crude oil from Kazakhstan for export through Poti; underlines that both actions violated the ceasefire commitment; (PPE 5.)
7. Reiterates its firm belief in the principle that no third country has a veto against the sovereign decision of another country to join any international organisation or alliance or the right to destabilise a democratically elected government; (PPE 4. first part)
8. Underlines that the partnership between Europe and Russia must be based on respect for the fundamental rules for European cooperation, upheld in action and not only in words; (PPE 3.)
9. Praises the EU Presidency for the efficiency and speed with which it has reacted to this conflict and the unity shown by the EU Member States in mediating between both sides enabling them to sign a ceasefire peace plan; (PES 5.) welcomes, in this regard, the conclusions of the extraordinary meeting of the European Council held in Brussels on 1st September 2008; (Greens 1. mod)
10. Strongly urges Russia to honour all commitments of the ceasefire agreement reached and signed through the diplomatic efforts of the EU, beginning with the complete and immediate withdrawal of its troops from Georgia proper and the reduction of its military presence in South Ossetia and Abkhazia to the Russian force deployed as peacekeepers in both provinces before the conflict erupted; condemns the extensive looting perpetrated by the Russian invasion forces and the accompanying mercenaries; (PPE 7.)
11. Demands that an independent international investigation be carried out urgently in order to establish the facts and bring greater clarity to certain allegations; (PSE 7. mod)
12. Urges Georgia, which has ratified the Rome statute of the ICC, and the Russian authorities to lend support and fully cooperate with the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court as regards its investigation into the tragic events and the attacks against civilians that took place during the conflict in order to define the responsibilities and bring those responsible to justice; (Greens 11.)
13. Calls on the EU, NATO and its members to use on the basis of a common position all possibilities to convince Russian Government to abide by international law which is the necessary condition to play a responsible role in international community; reminds Russia of its responsibility as a UN veto power for a global order of peace; (PPE 8.)
14. Calls on Council and Commission to review its policy towards Russia in case Russia does not fulfil its commitments of the ceasefire agreement; supports therefore the decision of the European Council to postpone the PCA negotiations until the withdrawal of the Russian troops to their positions prior to 7 August; (10. EPP mod)
15. Calls on the Commission to put forward visa facilitation and readmission agreements with Georgia at least to the same scope as with the relations with Russia; (UEN 19.)
16. Calls on the EU Member States to review the issuing of visas for economic activities from South Ossetia and Abkhazia; (PPE 10)
17. Strongly condemns the forced resettlement of Georgians from South Ossetia and Abkhazia and calls on the de facto South Ossetian and Abkhazian authorities to guarantee the safe return of the displaced civilian population in line with international humanitarian law; (PES 13 mod)
18. Welcomes the initiatives taken by the OSCE to increase the number of unarmed observers; calls for a further strengthening of the OSCE Georgia Mission, with full freedom of movement throughout the country, and encourages the EU Member States to make a contribution to these efforts; (PES 10.)
19. Calls for a robust contribution of the European Union to the foreseen international mechanism for the resolution of the conflict, (PPE 13.) and therefore asks the Council to consider the deployment of an ESDP monitoring mission to complement the UN and OSCE missions and to ask for a UN mandate for an ESDP peace mission; (PES 16.)
20. Welcomes the EU´s active and continued support for all international efforts to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict, in particular the Council’s commitment to support all UN, OSCE and other efforts to settle the conflict; welcomes in particular the decision to appoint a EU Special Representative for the crisis in Georgia; (PES 16 mod)
21. Welcomes the Commission’s 6 million fast-track humanitarian aid package for civilians which must be bolstered by further funds on the basis of a needs’ assessment on the ground; notes the urgent need for reconstruction aid in the aftermath of the conflict; (PES 16.)
22. Welcomes the Council’s decision to convene an international donor’s conference for the reconstruction of Georgia,(new) and urges the Council and the Commission to examine the possibility of a major EU plan to support financially the rebuilding of the affected areas of Georgia and to assure a stronger EU presence in the country as well as in the whole region; (EPP 21. mod)
23. Calls on all parties of the conflict to allow full and unfettered access of humanitarian assistance to victims, including refugees and internally displaced persons; (PPE 17.)
24. Is of the view that the search for solutions to the conflict in Georgia, along with the other unresolved conflicts in South Caucasus, will benefit from increased internationalisation of the conflict resolution mechanisms; proposes therefore that the European Union convenes a ”Trans-Caucasian Conference for Peace” as a key element of this process; such a conference should discuss international guarantees for the full respect of civil and political rights and the promotion of democracy through the international rule of law; stresses that the conference should also provide an opportunity to listen to the voice of the unrepresented or silenced groups of the Caucasian region; (ALDE 8.)
25. Calls on Council and Commission to develop the European Neighbourhood Policy further making it better adapted to the needs of our Eastern partners, including the strengthening of the EU involvement at the Black Sea, to take up the proposal of the European Parliament for a European Economic Area Plus or the Swedish-Polish proposal and to speed up in particular in relation to Georgia, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova the establishment of a free trade zone; the liberalization of the EU visa policy towards these countries must take into account that Russia has been granted in this area better conditions that these countries; (19. EPP)
26. Stresses the inter-relatedness of a number of problems in the South Caucasus Region and the need for a comprehensive solution in the form of a stability pact with the involvement of the major external actors; underlines the need to enhance cooperation with the neighbouring countries of the Black Sea region by setting up a special institutional and multilateral mechanism such as a Union for the Black Sea, and organising an international security and cooperation conference on the South Caucasus region; asks therefore the Commission to make a specific proposal to the Council and the Parliament on the setting up of a multilateral framework for the Black Sea region, including Turkey and Ukraine; neighbouring countries like Kazakhstan should be involved in the interests of the all region’s stability and energy flows; (PES 21.)
27. Recalls that at the Bucharest summit on 3 April 2008, NATO agreed that Georgia will become member of the Alliance and is of the opinion that Georgia remains on track to eventually join the Alliance; (26. EPP)
28. Stresses the importance of Georgia to improve the EU energy security by providing alternative to the Russian way of energy transit; considers crucial to efficiently protect existing infrastructures such as BTC pipeline and calls the Commission to offer Georgia all necessary assistance to this end; expects a strong EU both political and budgetary commitment in pursuing Nabucco pipeline project, recognized as a EU priority project that would cross Georgia’s territory; (PPE 22.)
29. Takes the view that cooperation in the South Caucasus should not be about mutually exclusive zones of influence between the EU’s and Russia’s so-called ”spheres of interest”; but, on the contrary, about a coordinated approach; (PES 22.)
30. Is of the opinion that the role of the EU in the current crisis underlines the need of strengthening of the European foreign, defence and security policy and believes that the Treaty of Lisbon, including the creation of the position of the high Representative, the solidarity clause and the EU Energy Security Policy represent the right way to do this; (PPE 25. mod)
31. Stresses the need to safeguard stability in the South Caucasus Region and calls on the Armenian and Azerbaijani Governments to contribute to this aim, while respecting all their international commitments; (PES 23.)
32. Reaffirms the principle that pluralistic and democratic governance with functioning opposition parties and respect for human and civil rights constitute the best guarantee for stability in the entire South Caucasus region; (PES 24.)
33. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Member States, the Presidents and Parliaments of Georgia and the Russian Federation, NATO, the OSCE and the Council of Europe. (PPE 26.)