51997IP0194

B4-0194/97

Resolution on the extradition and trial of Alois Brunner

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its numerous resolutions on combating racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism, in particular its resolutions of 11 February 1993 on European and international protection for Nazi concentration camps as historical monuments ((OJ C 72, 15.3.1993, p. 118.)), 15 June 1995 on a day to commemorate the holocaust ((OJ C 166, 3.7.1995, p. 132.)), and 30 January 1997 on racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism and the European Year against Racism (1997) ((Minutes of that sitting, Part II, Item 1.)),

A. having regard to the upsurge of racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism in Europe,

B. having regard to the Holocaust, a terrible crime which was the culmination of the rise of totalitarian and racist ideas, and to the emergence of ideas concerning the denial of this genocide,

C. having regard to the fact that 1997 is the European Year against Racism, Xenophobia and Anti-Semitism and that Europe must respond firmly and clearly to these threats,

D. considering that Alois Brunner, the wanted war criminal, was responsible for the brutal killing of 56 000 Jews of Thessaloniki in Greece and 25 000 in Drancy concentration camp in France, including 300 children,

E. having regard to recent press releases referring to written testimonies and existing files proving Brunner's presence in Syria,

F. having regard to the fact that the German Ministry of Justice filed an extradition order with the Syrian Government for Brunner in 1987, but the Syrian authorities deny that Alois Brunner lives in the country,

G. aware that it is important to ensure that the remaining war criminals do not escape responsibility for their actions,

1. Calls on the Council and the Member States and the competent authorities in Europe and all over the world to assist in the search for and the prosecution of Alois Brunner;

2. Calls on the Council to undertake definite and clear action pursuing the extradition of Brunner;

3. Reiterates its requests to the Council and the Commission expressed in its abovementioned resolution of 30 January 1997;

4. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States, the Government of Syria and the European Jewish Congress.