Resolution accepted at the EGP Council meeting, Malmö, Sweden, October 16-18, 2009
Even if we, Greens, always denounced the political orientations of President Ravalomana (for instance the land appropriation by foreign companies), the current political situation has dramatic consequences for Democracy and Human Rights as well as the economic, social and environmental sustainability of Madagascar.
Context
On March 17th 2009 a coalition led by M. Rajoelina dismissed, following a Coup d’Etat, the democratically elected President Ravalomana.
The immediate consequences of the Coup have been the suppression of the constitutional and democratic order, systematic attacks on opponents and the denial of basic human rights.
Many political observers argue that the Coup aims to facilitate the over-exploitation of the natural and energetic resources by multinational companies, with the support of foreign countries.
Even if we, Greens, always denounced the political orientations of President Ravalomana (for instance the land appropriation by foreign companies), the current political situation has dramatic consequences for Democracy and Human Rights as well as the economic, social and environmental sustainability of Madagascar.
EGP RESOLUTION :
In the spirit of the principles of United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and international law,
In respect of the African Union statutes and in respect of the ACP Cotonou Agreement, establishing a framework for sustainable development, peace, democracy and security in the ACP Countries,
In the spirit of the statements of environmental organisations on the plundering of the natural and energetic resources of Madagascar by foreign multinational companies,
Following on from the European Parliament’s statement, on 6th of July 2009, to maintain sanctions, to suspend cooperation programmes in Madagascar, until the constitutional order is re- established,
Supporting the agreements signed by the four main political coalitions in Maputo, after the mediation of the International Contact Group (ICG) led by the President of Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano: these agreements seek to re-establish the constitutional order, to form a provisional consensual government and to liberate all political prisoners,
Taking into account that national institutions and the international community must not legitimise M. Rajoelina as President of Madagascar, as long as the democratically elected president is still President Ravalomana,The EGP expresses:
Its deep concern about the systematic violation of the rule of law and basic human and democratic rights in Madagascar (including the intimidation and arrests of political representatives, activists and journalists),
Its deep concern about the mass destruction of natural reserves of primary forest all over Madagascar,
The European Green Party urges the European Parliament and the European Commission:
1.to clearly condemn the violation of human rights and fundamental liberties in Madagascar,
2. to condemn the destruction of the natural resources of Madagascar;
3.to prevent the legalisation or the legitimisation of the government installed following the putsch;
4.to demand that the UN guarantees the personal, community and political security of the people of Madagascar,
5.to take, as a matter of the greatest urgency, all the measures necessary to immediately stop the illicit traffic of precious wood ;
6.to help to facilitate free and transparent elections in Madagascar, in order to re-establish the democratic system and the rule of law,
7.to continue to be engaged and pro-active in finding solutions which result in the resolution of the political and social crisis in Madagascar.
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