Oficialūs pranešimai

Following the decision by the authorities in Sri Lanka to end the country's death penalty moratorium, Jean Lambert, Chair of the EP Delegation for Relations with South Asia (DSAS), stated:

"The EU has a principled stance against the death penalty and views this latest development with concern. The incoming Parliament will doubtless consider this when they evaluate the EU's GSP Plus agreement with Sri Lanka."

Background

The Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday 26 June signed the death warrants of four prisoners in jail on drug-related charges, which would be the first executions to be carried out in the country since 1976, when a moratorium was introduced.

Jean Lambert, Chair of the delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia:

"We welcome the decision of Pakistan's Supreme Court to uphold their earlier judgement on the Asia Bibi blasphemy case, and recognise the courage and persistence of those who have supported her case in Pakistan.

The EP has raised concerns about the blasphemy law itself and its abuse, and we recognise that many other people from different faiths are facing blasphemy charges. We trust that these people will now face fair treatment in the courts, and that those who support them will be safe from vigilantism."

A delegation of the European Parliament is paying an official visit to Pakistan from 29 to 31 October 2018, on the occasion of the 11th inter-parliamentary meeting between the European Parliament and the National Assembly of Pakistan. The European delegation is comprised of the Chair Ms Jean Lambert (Greens, UK), Mr Georg Mayer (ENF, Austria) and Mr Wajid Khan (S&D, UK).

This is the first official visit following the elections of 25 July 2018 in Pakistan, which were observed by the European Union, including some Members of this delegation. This visit provides Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) with an opportunity to meet with the new Government and Parliament to discuss issues of common interest, such as EU-Pakistan cooperation in a number of fields, bilateral trade and GSP+, climate change, regional issues, good governance and the rule of law, civil society issues and human rights, among others.

The Chairs of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, David McAllister (EPP, DE) and the Delegation for Relations with South Asia, Jean Lambert (The Greens/EFA, UK), have expressed concern as regards the decision of President Sirisena to dissolve the Sri Lankan parliament.

Jean Lambert, Chair of the Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia (DSAS):

"As Chair of the Delegation for relations with South Asia, we would like to express our solidarity and condolences on the tragic loss of lives that has occurred over the weekend in Pakistan.

"On Sunday 25 June, the explosion of a fuel truck tanker has caused the death of over 153 people in the eastern city of Bahawalpur. We regret that such a tragic accident has taken the lives of so many people, including women and children. Our thoughts are with their families and friends [...]"

Jean Lambert, Chair of the Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia (DSAS):

"On behalf of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia, I express our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the people of Sri Lanka for the terrible loss of lives and extensive damage to property caused by flooding and mudslides triggered by the monsoon rains last weekend [...]"