Opening remarks by Martin SCHULZ, EP President during the EP plenary session in Strasbourg. The EP President addressed the earthquake in Nepal, last week's refugee catastrophe in the Mediterranean, as well as the death penalty pending on imprisoned foreigners in Indonesia, of which one is a French citizen. Schulz has asked Indonesia to go back to a moratorium on the death penalty in the country. Minutes of silence where held for the victims of both catastrophes.

Strasbourg

plenary session

EU - Indonesia (T)

respect for human rights in the world (T)

natural disasters (T)

death of migrants in the Mediterranean Sea (T)

SCHULZ, Martin (S&D, DE)

death penalty (T)

Opening remarks by Martin SCHULZ, EP President: earthquake in Nepal - tragedy in the Mediterranean - death penalty in Indonesia

External shot of EP building, Strasbourg. (1)

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, "Honourable Ladies and Gentlemen, two days ago a tragic earthquake took place in Nepal. At this moment, the death toll is close to 4,000."

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, "We, in this Parliament, greet the aid that's beginning to flow, and would like to call on all Member-States and all international organisations to bring that help to the affected people as soon as possible. Our thoughts are with the victims and we express our solidarity with the so hardly affected Nepalese people."

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, "Ladies and Gentlemen, one week ago, there was a new tragedy in the Mediterranean. Most likely, between 800 and 1,000 people dranwed."

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, <p>"I know that some of you feel like I do, as I am asking you to hold once again a minute of silence for the victims, that you have the feeling why this time and again, why are we always honouring the victims, yet the politicies don't change in order to avoid these tragedies."</p>

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, "Today nine people in Indonesia are awaiting execution including a Frenchman, two Austalian citizens, an Indonesian and five other people of different nationalities".

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, <p>"The EU rejects the death penalty as a question of principle. For years now we have been working hard around the world to try and work to eliminate this cruel and unjustifiable form of punishment. I call upon the Indonesian Government, especially to the Indonesian President, to revoque these death sentences and to reintroduce the moratorium, and ask him to make use of his right to pardon and hopefully get rid of the death penalty entirely".</p>