17.8.2012   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/20

—

having regard to Rule 110(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.

having regard to the devastating earthquake and the tsunami which struck Japan and the Pacific region on 11 March 2011, resulting in the death or disappearance of thousands of people and causing considerable material damage,

B.

whereas this disaster caused an extremely serious nuclear accident, which is affecting Fukushima nuclear power station and constitutes a fresh threat,

C.

whereas the Prime Minister of Japan, Naoto Kan, has stated that the country is facing its most serious crisis in 65 years, since the Second World War,

1.

Expresses its most complete solidarity with the Japanese people and government and presents its sincere condolences to the victims of this threefold disaster, bearing in mind that the human losses and material damage have not yet been fully assessed; welcomes the mobilisation, courage and determination of the Japanese people and of the authorities in response to this disaster;

2.

Calls on the Union and its Member States, as a priority, to give Japan and the disaster regions all necessary humanitarian, technical and financial aid and support and welcomes the fact that the Union immediately activated its Civil Protection Mechanism to coordinate its emergency aid;

3.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Japanese authorities.