8 July 1992

Doc. 6644

1403-7/7/92-9-E

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

on the situation of the German ethnic minority

in the former Soviet Union

presented by Mr BÖHM and others

1.       The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe dealt recently in its Recommendations 972 (1983) and 1040 (1986) and in the context of its Recommendation 1106 (1989) with the situation of the German ethnic minority in the former Soviet Union and stated in this connection that this minority is entitled to enjoy the rights of ethnic groups and minorities as well as the other rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Human Rights Convention.

2.       The situation of the German ethnic minority in the former Soviet Union has changed fundamentally with the break-up of the Soviet Union and the collapse of the communist system.

3.       The German minorities now live in several successor states of the former Soviet Union and they are represented by an "inter-state council". Officially they enjoy freedom of movement. In practical terms, however, they are prevented in various different ways from exercising this right in some areas.

4.       In some Asian countries the German minority is exposed to considerable pressure to leave and there is general uncertainty as to the possibility of new settlements in the various successor states of the Soviet Union.

5.       Emigration to Germany is now possible, and several hundred thousand people have made use of this during the past years with the support of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany. The Federal Republic of Germany is endeavouring to cope with the organisation of this flow and to enable integration into the society of the Federal Republic of Germany. On the other hand, the Federal Government in co-ordination with the governments of the successor states of the Soviet Union is trying to give assistance to those Germans who wish to remain. Some of them wish to stay in their present place of residence. Others want to resettle to other areas. In this context, the individual decision has to be respected.

6.       As it has done in the past, the Council of Europe should continue to examine the issue of German ethnic minorities in the successor states of the Soviet Union and support their efforts to make use of their rights.

7.       The Council of Europe should support the efforts of the Federal Government of Germany and should also make use of the possibilities offered by the Social Fund.

Signed:       BÖHM, L. FISCHER, MÜLLER, MEYER ZU BENTRUP, GASSNER, LANNER, VAN DER LINDEN, MESZAROS, ZIERER, BRATINKA, AARTS, JESSEL, D. SMITH, EISMA, BARTODZIEJ, DIMMER, SPRUNG, MAASS, BAARVELD-SCHLAMAN, STOFFELEN, MICHELS, BÜHLER, VOGEL, NEWALL, MARTEN, REDDEMANN, ATKINSON, WORMS, OEHLER, TARSCHYS, FLUCKIGER.