WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3142/97 by Elisabeth SCHROEDTER to the Commission. Subsidies for brown coal in Brandenbourg
C 117/154 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 4. 98 In 1993 ESA founded the Inter-agency space debris coordination committee (IADC) together with the American, Russian, and Japanese space agencies. The French, German, British and Indian space agencies joined the inter-agency committee later. The IADC brings together the worldwide available technical expertise and know-how on space debris. Since 1994 space debris is on the agenda at the sessions of the scientific and technical subcommittee of the United Nations’ committee of the peaceful uses of outer space (Copuos). The Commission is following and will continue to follow the international activities to agree on rules and guidelines for conducting space operations. (98/C 117/208) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3136/97 by Rijk van Dam (I-EDN) to the Commission (13 October 1997) Subject: Freedom of religion in Morocco In its answer to Written Question E-1759/96 by Leen van der Waal on the violation of the rights of religious minorities in Morocco, the Commission stated that it would pass on its misgivings to the Moroccan authorities concerning respect for human rights in Morocco. I should therefore like to draw your attention to the following: Two Christians, one American (Timothy Lamb) and one South Korean (Joohyun Ahn) were recently arrested in Fez, Morocco, and expelled from the country after a few daysí detention on the grounds of proselytizing. This is in spite of the fact that no enticements were used to make any Muslim renounce his religion. When their house was searched all that was found was a number of video cassettes and tapes with Christian messages and a few Arabic Bibles. According to reports, a judge in Fez gave Lamb the option of embracing Islam, in which case he would be acquitted. Lamb was also given no opportunity to consult his embassy or instruct a lawyer. Can the Commission confirm these reports, and does it agree that this action by the courts and judicial 1. authorities in Morocco violates the right to religious freedom and the right to a fair trial? 2. Is the Commission prepared to inform the Moroccan authorities that this incident is in conflict with the association agreement between the EU and Morocco and that it is concerned about the situation of the Christian minority in Morocco? Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (3 November 1997) 1. The Commission cannot confirm the information contained in the Honourable Member’s question. As for the questions of substance raised by the Honourable Member, he is referred to the Commission’s 2. answer to written question E-1759/96 by Mr Van der Waal (1). (1) OJ C 345, 15. 11. 1996. (98/C 117/209) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3142/97 by Elisabeth Schroedter (V) to the Commission (30 September 1997) Subject: Subsidies for brown coal in Brandenbourg 1. Did the Commission give notice of the subsidy for the new power station in Frankfurt an der Oder?