WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2558/97 by Richard BALFE to the Council. Sri Lanka
C 117/24 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 4. 98 Answer given by Ms Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (16 October 1997) Having previously sent letters to a number of environmental associations, the Commission has written several times to the Greek authorities, asking them precisely what measures they intend to take to stop industries in the Drymos area discharging dangerous liquids into Lake Koroneia and what schemes they intend to introduce to prevent further pollution of this lake, particularly in relation to the pollution reduction programme provided for in Article 7 of Directive 76/464/EEC on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment of the Community (1). Replying to these letters, the Greek authorities have admitted that pollution of the lake has reached a critical level. They have, moreover, sent the Commission precise information on industrial operating conditions in the area (letters dated 21 February 1997 and 12 August 1997). This correspondence shows that most of these firms are still discharging effluent into Lake Koroneia and are not complying with the environmental rules laid down in Community legislation, in particular Directive 76/464/EEC. Furthermore, the Minister for the Environment is drafting a ministerial Decision which includes a series of measures to protect Lake Koroneia. To enable the necessary measures to be introduced swiftly, Community financial assistance (from the Structural Funds) has been requested. It is the Commission’s view that, in spite of the Greek government’s efforts, the measures which have been notified are still inadequate. Further action needs to be taken, as swiftly as possible, to stop the pollution of Lake Koroneia. (1) OJ L 129, 18. 5. 1976. (98/C 117/31) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2558/97 by Richard Balfe (PSE) to the Council (28 July 1997) Subject: Sri Lanka Will the Council update its declaration on behalf of the European Union on Sri Lanka, released on 17 April 1997, in the light of recent developments in that country? Answer (26 November 1997) The European Union is closely monitoring developments in the political situation in Sri Lanka and makes its position known, where appropriate, by means of declarations and de·marches. In its Declaration of 17 April 1997, the European Union welcomed the exchange of letters between the President of Sri Lanka and the leader of the opposition on a bipartisan approach to the ethnic conflict in that country. The European Union continues to support this constructive approach and hopes that it will contribute to an ending of confrontational politics in Sri Lanka, in particular through the conclusion of a national agreement. The European Union remains ready to assist reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts as soon as this becomes possible