European Parliament resolution on Mari El
The
European Parliament,
– having regard to its previous resolutions on
–
having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EC and
–
having regard to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and
Fundamental Freedoms, particularly Article 10 thereof,
–
having regard to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages signed
by the Russian Federation on 10 May 2001,
–
having regard to the Constitution of the Mari Republic (Mari El), which recognises Mari as one of the State languages, and to the
1995 Act on Linguistic Matters that declares Mari El a multi-ethnic republic
and provides for the right of all citizens regardless of their ethnicity to
maintain and develop their native language and culture,
–
having regard to the credible reports by Russian and international NGOs on the
continuing violations of human rights and irregularities before and during the
presidential elections of 19 December 2004 in the Mari Republic (Mari El) of
the Russian Federation,
–
having regard to the first EU-Russia Consultations on Human Rights, Minorities
and Fundamental Freedoms of 1 March 2005 in Luxembourg,
–
having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,
A.
whereas journalists and correspondents of non-state mass media have been
continuously and frequently assaulted, harassed and intimidated in Mari El,
such incidents including the killing of three journalists in 2001 and the
beating of Mr Vladimir Kozlov
on 7 February 2005,
B.
whereas the local and federal governments have failed to take adequate steps to
bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of journalists and the
independence of the media,
C.
whereas several opposition newspapers can only be printed outside the
D.
whereas the Government of Mari El has threatened to close down schools in
regions that voted overwhelmingly for the opposition candidate during the presidential
elections, and forced a dozen school directors in these areas to resign,
E.
whereas individuals belonging to the Mari minority face considerable
difficulties in obtaining education in their native language since there is no
secondary or higher education in Mari, and the publication of Mari textbooks
has severely declined in recent years,
1.
Is convinced that the multi-ethnic character of the
2.
Strongly condemns the harassment of and assaults on independent journalists in
Mari El, and calls on the federal and local authorities to bring the
perpetrators of such acts to justice, and ensure respect for freedom of
expression;
3.
Calls for a speedy, comprehensive and independent inquiry by federal and local
authorities into the allegations of irregularities before and during the
presidential elections in Mari El on 19 December 2004;
4.
Calls on the Government of Mari El to immediately stop political retribution
and intimidation directed at dissenting public servants, and refrain from undue
political interference in the affairs of educational and cultural institutions;
5.
Calls on the local and federal authorities to respect their obligations under
international law, and to take adequate steps to facilitate the practical
implementation of the provisions of the State Constitution and other
legislation relating to the maintenance and development of minority languages
and cultures, with particular emphasis on providing quality education in
people's native language at all levels, thus ensuring that the Mari language and
Russian are placed on the same footing throughout the republic;
6.
Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the
Commission and the Governments of the