BRUSSELS, March 11 (NNN-KUNA) — The Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (SD), the second largest political group in the European Parliament (EP), has welcomed the resolution adopted by the EP on the implementation of the Goldstone recommendations to ensure accountability for alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights by Israel during the Gaza military onslaught.

“Investigations must be independent, impartial, transparent, and effective on all sides and the EU and its member sttates should take into consideration their outcomes, as well as the implementation of the Goldstone recommendations, in their relations with all parties referred to in the Report,” said Richard Howitt, SD Spokesman on Human Rights Wednesday.

The resolution on the Goldstone Report, which was adopted by the EP by 335 votes in favour with 287 against, accepts findings by a UNHCR Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza conflict headed by Justice Richard Goldstone of South Aferica.

The final report was released on Sept 15, 2009 and documents numerous violations of international human rights law during the Israeli military attacks.

The Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL) said “for the first time, a resolution voted in the European Parliament acknowledges Israeli’s violations of international humanitarian law.”

“The Goldstone Report is strong evidence that Israeli forces committed violations of international humanitarian law during 2008′s military operations in the Palestinian territories. The GUE/NGL group welcomes the report and we call for the immediate adoption of its findings by EU member states and the implementation of its recommendations,” said Kyriacos Triantaphyllides.

Member of the European Parliament from the Scottish National Party Alyn Smith said, “The Goldstone Report is a meticulous, well-researched, fair, and accurate assessment of violations of human rights during the conflict by all parties; and that its judgement that the IDF (Israeli defence forces) were largely to blame for the human rights violations is correct.”

“Israel’s attack on Gaza last year was disproportionate, reckless, and more to the point, illegal. Thanks to the Goldstone Report, and its positive acknowledgement by the European Parliament, steps can now be made to ensure its recommendations are implemented,” added Smith.

– NNN-KUNA

• HANTAVIRUS OUTBREAK IN CHILEAN REGION
• WORLD ORGANIZATION DEMANDS OBAMA TO FREE CUBAN FIVE
• DEATH TOLL FROM BUILDING COLLAPSE RISES TO 17 IN PAKISTAN
• HILDHOOD OBESITY IN MONTSERRAT AN EMERGING PROBLEM
• KIDNAPPED IRANIAN PILGRIMS FREED IN SYRIA