WRITTEN QUESTION No. 331/98 by Stefano DE LUCA to the Commission. Freedom of association and thought consistent with human rights
C 223/168 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 17. 7. 98 (98/C 223/218) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0331/98 by Stefano De Luca (ELDR) to the Commission (6 February 1998) Subject: Freedom of association and thought consistent with human rights Is the Commission aware that an Italian regional law, Law No 34 issued by Marche region, stipulates that 1. candidates for appointment to regional bodies must declare that they do not belong to any Masonic lodge? Does the Commission not consider that this law might prejudice the freedom of thought and association 2. which individuals should enjoy? 3. Given that the persons affected are European citizens, what steps will the Commission take to ensure that the rule of law is restored and no local restrictions of this type can be imposed in future on free citizens who belong to universally known religious or non-religious organizations? Does the Commission not consider the law in question to be contrary to the Treaty and in particular the 4. principles relating to fundamental freedoms? Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (19 February 1998) The Commission sets great store by respect for human rights throughout the world. The treaties, however, have not given the Union any general powers to enforce respect for fundamental rights. Its only competence in this respect is within the scope of Community law, which is based on respect for fundamental rights. Regarding the facts reported by the Honourable Member, the Commission would point out that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is amply assured in the Member States, both domestically by legal remedies and, externally, by the machinery put in place by the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. As Community law stands the facts referred to by the Honourable Member are solely a matter for Member States. (98/C 223/219) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0334/98 by Thomas Megahy (PSE) to the Commission (17 February 1998) Subject: Violation by the United States authorities of rights guaranteed by the Vienna Convention on consular relations Between 60 and 100 foreign nationals have been condemned to death in the United States of America and are currently awaiting execution. At least 8 of these are citizens of Member States of the European Union. Under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on consular relations, to which the United States is a signatory, every foreign national should in such circumstances be given access to his or her consul. Few of the condemned prisoners have been given such access. As the Commission is committed to raising human rights issues during trade negotiations and in other appropriate fora, will it be doing so in relation to this clear violation of both human rights and civilized behaviour? Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (27 March 1998) The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member and will inform him of the outcome as soon as possible