51998IP1117

B4-1117, 1124 and 1148/98

Resolution on the cases of Mr Osmani, Mr Demiri, Mr Bexheti and Mr Dauti in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)

The European Parliament,

A. whereas, on 5 February 1998, Mr Rufi Osmani, the Mayor of Gostivar, and Mr Refik Dauti were sentenced to seven and two years' imprisonment respectively and whereas, on 5 May 1998, Mr Alajdin Demiri, the Mayor of Tetovo, and Mr Vehbi Bexheti were sentenced to two years' imprisonment following demonstrations which had taken place in those towns,

B. having regard, furthermore, to the declaration of 4 June 1998 by its Delegation for relations with the countries of South-East Europe,

C. having regard to the establishment of a new government majority in FYROM,

D. welcoming the growing number of statements from leading FYROM political figures regarding the need for the issue involving Mr Rufi Osmani, Mr Refik Dauti, Mr Alajdin Demiri and Mr Vehbi Bexheti to be resolved,

E. having regard to the many calls from the international community for Mr Rufi Osmani, Mr Refik Dauti, Mr Alajdin Demiri and Mr Vehbi Bexheti to be released,

The European Parliament,

1. Calls on FYROM's highest authorities to respond favourably to these calls for Mr Osmani, Mr Dauti, Mr Demiri and Mr Bexheti to be released (calls which come both from within FYROM society and from the international community) by declaring an amnesty or by taking any other action which would enable them to recover their freedom;

2. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the President, government and parliament of FYROM.