MEPs: prevent genocide in Burundi, shift towards democracy in Myanmar, Moldova, Georgia

The EU must act urgently to avoid genocide in Burundi, said MEPs in a debate with the EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and Chrístos Stylianídis, Commissioner for humanitarian aid on Wednesday evening. MEPs have also called the EU to support the Myanmar transition process towards democracy after recent elections. Debating on tense political situation in Georgia and political instability in Moldova, MEPs have urged the countries to show political commitment and strengthen respect of fundamentals.

Burundi - avoid a second Rwanda now

The EU and the international community must act urgently to avoid genocide in Burundi and take every step to pressurize those responsible for violence escalation, persecutions, imprisonments and human rights violations to stop and reengage in a national dialogue, MEPs said. The EU and the international community must also urgently assist dozens of thousands of Burundi refugees in the neighbouring countries and re-channel the development aid to those really in need of it, they added.

A resolution on the situation in Burundi is to be voted at the December plenary session.

Myanmar — not a democracy yet

The recent elections in Myanmar are an historical milestone on the path to democracy but this is only a starting point, said MEPs who congratulated Ms Aung San Suu Kyi for her party' results. The Nobel peace prize winner has a true challenge ahead of her to reach national reconciliation and EU should support this transition process towards a parliamentary democracy which could take decades, they added. Members have expressed their concerns regarding the respect of human rights in the country particularly those of the ethnic and religious minorities. They have also conveyed their condolences to families of victims of the jade mine landslide which killed at least 120 people last Saturday evening in the north of the country.

Moldova - show political responsibility

MEPs expressed their disappointment with current situation in Moldova. They said that EU has supported Moldova a lot and now it is time for the country to show political responsibility and regain trust of its citizens. Commissioner Stylianides who spoke for the EU Foreign Affairs representative said that the new government must take clear and effective steps to stop corruption and find sustainable solution to current crisis.

More freedom and democracy in Georgia

MEPs called for a shift towards greater democracy in Georgia, during the debate. They commended Georgia for progress made since signing the Association deal with the EU last year but underlined that significant changes are yet to be made, especially to ensure freedom of judiciary and freedom of expression. Also Commissioner Stylianides highlighted strengthening independence of judiciary, media freedom and free democratic elections in October 2016 as Georgia's main goals.