Friday, 17 july 2009
MEPs say no to violence in Iran, China and Honduras
Condemnation of violence was the common thread across three debates the EP held Wednesday afternoon. MEPs discussed the violence in Iran after presidential elections, ethnic clashes in China and coup d'état in Honduras.
Events in Iran recently grabbed the world's attention, as violence broke out following the disputed outcome of presidential elections. MEPs across the House condemned violence against protestors, obstruction of free journalism and torture in prisons and called on Iranian authorities to stop the violence and start dialogue
A Liberal Belgian Member Annemie Neyts-Uyttenbroeck said: „All the people of the world including the people of Iran have to have the right to elect their own leaders and to replace them when they are no longer fit for purpose“.
The beginning of July saw ethnic violence in North-West China, pitching the predominantly Muslim Uyghur minority against Han Chinese who are the largest ethnic group in China, and massive intervention by the Chinese authorities to control the situation.
Speakers across the House condemned the ethnic violence in northwest region, and called for protection of minorities, but voices also warned against separatism.
The Central American country of Honduras went into crisis as the military expelled the elected President Zelaya to Costa Rica following his attempt to organise a plebiscite to amend the constitution.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon of the leftist GUE/NGL group said: „Our pacifist principles should not mean that we give impression turning a blind eye to coup".