WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2290/97 by Lyndon HARRISON to the Commission. Quarantine
C 60/118 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 2. 98 The Member States are moving towards the definition of an original design for European security, which should take account on the one hand of existing international organizations (WEU, NATO, OSCE, etc. ) and, on the other, the needs of those EU Member States which traditionally take a neutral or non-aligned stance in military affairs. Any action by the Commission in the defence industry sector should take account of the specific nature of this industry and its links with security and defence policy, the systems of research and development and production, and the dependence of the sector on purchases by ministries for defence. In this connection, will the Commission impose a ban at European and international level on the production, sale and use of anti-personnel land mines? Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (30 July 1997) The conclusion of an international treaty to ban anti-personnel mines is essentially a matter to be negotiated among sovereign states through the complementary mechanisms of the Ottawa process and the conference on disarmament. In its joint action of October 1996, the Union is ácommitted to the goal of the total elimination of anti-personnel landmines and shall work actively towards the achievement, at the earliest possible date of an effective international agreement to ban these weapons world-wideí. At the same time the Union implemented a common moratorium on the export of all anti-personnel landmines to all destinations and continued its extensive practical action to overcome the problems of anti-personnel landmines in all the most afflicted countries. The Commission strongly supports the early conclusion of an international agreement on a total ban, and uses every opportunity in its dealings with third countries, to encourage political and practical action that will assist this process and help overcome the landmine tragedy. (98/C 60/200) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2290/97 by Lyndon Harrison (PSE) to the Commission (2 July 1997) Subject: Quarantine Can the Commission confirm the status of the implementation of the BALAI directive? Has the directive been reviewed and is it likely to be extended to cover pet dogs and cats? Has the Commission had any recent contact with the British Government about the future of the British quarantine system and its impact on free movement in the Single European Market? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (17 July 1997) All of the Member States have notified the Commission that they have implemented Council Directive 92/65/EC laying down animal health requirements governing trade in and imports into the Community of animals, semen, ova and embryos not subject to animal health requirements laid down in specific Community rules referred to in Annex A (I) to Directive 90/425/EEC (1) (so called Balai Directive). This Directive is currently being reviewed by the scientific veterinary committee, particularly in relation to various aspects of rabies. A report is expected in the near future. Following this report the Commission will make suitable proposals at an appropriate time. The Commission has regular contacts with the British authorities on this subject. (1) OJ L 268, 14. 9. 1992