General policy of the Council of Europe - Western Europe and situation in Africa south of the Equator
- Author(s):
- Parliamentary Assembly
- Origin
- Assembly debate on 22 September 1976 (18th and 19th Sittings) (see Doc. 3830, report of the Political Affairs Committee). Text adopted by the Assembly on 22 September 1976 (19th Sitting).
- Thesaurus
The Assembly,
1. Having taken note of the Political Affairs Committee's report on Western Europe and the situation in Africa south of the Equator (
Doc. 3830) ;
2. Deeply concerned at the steady deterioration of the political situation in southern Africa, which constitutes a threat to international peace and security ;
3. Considering that Western Europe must accept its own responsibilities and work out a clear position with regard to developments in that region, reaffirming its commitment to peace and international security, to respect for human rights and to greater economic and social justice in the world, in order to offer the countries of Africa a valid alternative in consolidating their independence,
4. Condemns the policy of apartheid pursued by South Africa, and deplores the bloodshed occasioned by this policy which denies the fundamental and individual rights of man ;
5. Calls on member governments to show solidarity with the African people in its struggle for political rights, while taking into consideration the legitimate rights of the white population which has settled there ;
6. Condemns all foreign intervention in Angola, and urges the withdrawal of all foreign troops and more especially Cuban troops from that country ;
7. Condemns the continued occupation of Namibia by the Republic of South Africa, which is in violation of the opinions handed down by the International Court of Justice, and South Africa's refusal so far to comply with the demands set out by the Security Council for, among other things, the holding of free elections ;
8. Calls for the election of a majority government in Rhodesia, and supports all initiatives, including concrete proposals, for a settlement of the Rhodesian crisis which take into account the interest of the whole population ;
9. Appeals to the governments of the Council of Europe member states to show solidarity with the African people in Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) in its struggle for majority rule, by means of implementing the sanctions adopted by the Security Council, and guaranteeing humanitarian aid to all the people of Zimbabwe, as required ;
10. Asks member governments to make use of all opportunities to work for an effective sanctions policy within the framework of the United Nations, and particularly to support a decision by the Security Council on a compulsory arms embargo against South Africa ;
11. Decides, for its own part :
a to contribute, through its public debates, to improved understanding of the conflicts in southern Africa on the part of the public in member states ;
b to acquaint the parties concerned with parliamentary opinion in democratic Europe with the situation in southern Africa ;
c to keep the developing situation in southern Africa on its agenda for the future until a just and peaceful solution is achieved.
