WRITTEN QUESTION P-0143/00 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Town planning in an area with high seismic activity.
C 280 E/184 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 3. 10. 2000 (2000/C 280 E/212) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0138/00 by Claude Moraes (PSE) to the Commission (27 January 2000) Subject: Human rights violations in Tunisia It has been reported that the Tunisian authorities continue to harass members of opposition groups and their families, with particular regard to restrictions on freedom of movement and the denial of passports. Article 2 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement signed on 17 July 1995 (COM(95) 235 final) commits Tunisia to árespect for human rights and democratic principlesí, and Parliament expressed its concern in its resolution on human rights in Tunisia of May 1996 (1) Is the Commission aware of the case of Ms Radhia Aouididi, whose movements have been continually restricted in Tunisia and who is denied a passport to leave the country? Will the Commission ensure that human rights continue to be viewed as a crucial issue in its dialogue with the Tunisian Government? (1) OJ C 166, 10. 6. 1996, p. 204. Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission (24 February 2000) Respect for fundamental freedoms is an essential element in the Association Agreement between the Community and Tunisia, and is no less important in our political dialogue. The second ministerial meeting in the institutional dialogue, which took place in Brussels on 24 January 2000, was an opportunity for the partners to take stock on the issue of respect for human rights. The Commission, like the Member States in the context of the common foreign and security policy, is closely monitoring allegations regarding the protection of freedoms in Tunisia, in particular those citing restrictions on the freedom of movement. It believes that by means of constructive dialogue and positive support measures, and in line with commitments entered into under the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, the Community can work together with Tunisia in the process of human rights reform. (2000/C 280 E/213) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0143/00 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission Subject: Town planning in an area with high seismic activity (20 January 2000) In the Commissionís reply to my question No E-1882/99 (1) concerning town planning in the Community of Rio, it indicated that the Rio town planning survey was not receiving cofunding under the Community support framework for Greece for the period 1994-1999. However, the Ministry of the Environment, Regional Planning and Public Works categorically stated in its report (of 5 November 1997, No 32533/ 10402) that the studies in question were being funded under the second Community support framework running until the end of 1999. In view of this, can the Commission re-examine the question and give a definitive reply? (1) OJ C 203 E, 18. 7. 2000, p. 80. 3. 10. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 280 E/185 Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission (11 February 2000) Town planning surveys are included in the projects that can be part-financed under the Environment Operational Programme (EPPER II in Greek) of the 1994-99 Greek Community support framework. Given their number, however, the mode of financing (Community or national) is decided by the Greek authorities using specific criteria. The Commission can confirm that the town planning survey for Rio was not, according to its information, part-financed under the OP but from national funds. The Greek authorities probably intended, when publishing the report dated 5 November 1997 to which the Honourable Member refers, to propose this survey for part-financing under EPPER II but subsequently did not do so. (2000/C 280 E/214) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0144/00 by Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL) to the Council (20 January 2000) Subject: Extension of European arms embargo against Indonesia 1. Could the Council confirm that the arms embargo imposed on Indonesia is due to expire on 17 January 2000 and that, in view of the optimism about Indonesiaís future which prevailed until recently, it was not intended to extend this ban? 2. Does the Council recall the open letter of 27 November 1999 addressed by East Timorese Nobel prize winner JosØ Ramos Horta to European governments and parliaments? In that letter, Mr Horta wrote that, despite urging that all economic and financial sanctions imposed on Indonesia should be ended, he did not believe the time was right to lift the arms embargo. The last thing Indonesia needed was weapons. Selling arms to the Indonesian army, the TNI, would give the wrong signal. Mr Horta hoped that the greed and irresponsibility that had characterised the policy of certain countries which had sold arms to Indonesia were a thing of the past. Does the Council agree that, 3. in view of the role played by the Indonesian army following the referendum which resulted in independence for East Timor, in the fighting between Christians and Muslims over the Molucca Islands and in the suppression of the resistance engaged in by the people of Aceh over many years, the army may be seen as instigating conflict between sections of the population and threatening the existence of the democratic form of government introduced in Indonesia in 1999? And does the Council also agree that it is important to minimise this threat? 4. Would the Council be willing to take a decision at the latest at its meeting of 24 January 2000 to extend the arms embargo, which would allow the companies Hollandse Signaal Apparaten of the Netherlands and Thomson CSF of France not to go ahead on 1 February 2000 with the supply of equipment ordered earlier by Indonesia, without being open to the charge of breach of contract? Reply (13 March 2000) The restrictive measures taken against the previous Indonesian Government in September 1999 did indeed expire on 17 January 2000. They were not extended. The EU noted, however, that EU policy regarding arms exports would be governed by strict implementation of the EU Code of Conduct. The EU also echoed the honourable memberís concern at the appalling violence in the Moluccas and the persistent conflict in