Resolution on East Timor

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on East Timor.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by Greens/ALE, EPP-ED, PES, ALDE and UEN groups.

Noting that East Timor has been torn apart by violence since the dismissal in April 2006 of nearly 600 soldiers, comprising a third of the total armed forces, Parliament urges all parties in East Timor to refrain from violence, to be involved in an all-inclusive dialogue to settle political differences and to participate in the democratic process within the legal and constitutional framework, thus contributing to restoring social and political stability.

Overall, Parliament urges the government and the president of East Timor to take all the necessary steps to end violence and restore a secure and stable environment in full compliance with the East Timorese constitution. It calls for the effective restoration of public order and a prompt return to full institutional normality.

Recognising East Timor's need for political, technical and financial support in rebuilding the infrastructure, Parliament calls on the EU and international community to step up its support to consolidate democracy and a democratic culture in East Timor, focusing on a multi-party culture and institution-building – namely the parliament, the government, the judiciary, security, defence and law enforcement forces – and to assist in the urgent extension of media coverage to the whole country, as well as in strengthening the education and health networks, with particular attention to the needs of children and women. The international community is asked to increase support for effective human rights monitoring in East Timor and to provide assistance for the development of local human rights groups as well as for local services for victims of abuse.

Parliament also calls on the Council and Commission to urge the East Timorese authorities to prohibit, disband and disarm any paramilitary groups, armed gangs and armed civilians.

In this context, the European Parliament decides to send an ad hoc Parliamentary delegation to East Timor in autumn 2006 to assess the political situation and examine the adequacy of EU assistance programmes.