WRITTEN QUESTION E-1998/99 by Ioannis Marínos (PPE-DE) to the Council. Cyprus and EU accession.
C 219 E/64 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 1. 8. 2000 (2000/C 219 E/075) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1997/99 by Andre Brie (GUE/NGL) to the Council (9 November 1999) Subject: Position of the Council on the war in Chechnya In a resolution of 7 October 1999 (B5-0142, 0149, 0158, 0168 and 0177/99) Parliament ástrongly condemned the Russian military intervention in Chechnyaí. How will the Council view this position of the European Parliament on policy towards Russia with special reference to the Chechnya conflict, and is it indeed prepared to endorse that position? Reply (31 January 2000) The position of the European Parliament expressed in its resolution of 7 October is well reflected in the conclusions adopted by the Council on 15 November. Here the Council expressed its deep concern, which it shares with the European Parliament, over the continuing military campaign in the Northern Caucasus. It condemned all disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force in Chechnya which has given rise to severe hardship for the civilian population and internally displaced persons. The Council urged the Russian government to observe its commitments under international humanitarian law to avoid civilian casualties and to keep the Chechen-Ingush border open in order to ensure access to safety for internally displaced persons. Moreover, the Council underlined the need for a dialogue between the Russian government and the elected leaders of North Caucasus, including Chechnya, in order to find a political solution to the conflict. In this context, the Council encouraged the Russian government to use the good offices of the OSCE. The Council also agreed that the EU would address the issue at the OSCE Summit in Istanbul As a matter of fact, the Istanbul Summit declaration of 18-19 November 1999, while reaffirming that it fully acknowledges the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation and that it condemns terrorism in all its forms, has underscored the need to respect OSCE norms. Paragraph 23 of this declaration precisely address this issue: We agree that in light of the humanitarian situation in the region it is important to alleviate the hardships of the civilian population, including by creating appropriate conditions for international organisations to provide humanitarian aid. We agree that a political solution is essential. and that the assistance of the OSCE would contribute to achieving that goal. We welcome the willingness of the OSCE to assist in the renewal of a political dialogue. We welcome the agreement of the Russian Federation to a visit by the Chairman-in-Office to the region. We reaffirm the existing mandate of the OSCE Assistance Group in Chechnya. In this regard, we also welcome the willingness of the Russian Federation to facilitate these steps, which will contribute to creating conditions for stability, security, and economic prosperity in the region. í (2000/C 219 E/076) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1998/99 by Ioannis Marínos (PPE-DE) to the Council (9 November 1999) Subject: Cyprus and EU accession Cyprus is an applicant country: its economic performance is enviable and its per capita GNP can compare with that of the most advanced countries in the Union. On 31 March 1998 the EU began accession negotiations with this country. Given that 18 months have now elapsed since that date, will the Council 1. 8. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 219 E/65 say what progress discussions have made so far as regards the incorporation of the áacquis communautaireí in the legislation of Cyprus and Cyprusí position compared to that of the other five applicant countries of Central and Eastern Europe? When are the accession negotiations due to be completed? Finally, if it deems that Cyprus meets all the preconditions, will the Council give assurances that it will be accepted as a full member, even if the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey continue to refuse to contribute to a solution to the Cyprus problem? Reply (31 January 2000) Progress with Cyprus in the accession negotiations has been above average so far, with around a third of the the total negotiating chapters not requiring further negotiations for the moment. Furthermore, European Council in Cologne expressed its firm resolve to open negotiations in all chapters as early as possible next year. As is the case for the other candidates, the date for the conclusion of the accession negotiations and the subsequent accession of Cyprus depends on its progress in preparing for membership and on the Unionís ability to assimilate new members. Finally, the Council reiterates its belief that Cyprusí accession to the EU should benefit all communities, including the Turkish Cypriot community, and help bring about civil peace and reconciliation on the island. It trusts that progress towards accession and towards a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem will naturally reinforce each other. (2000/C 219 E/077) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2003/99 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission Subject: Community Interreg III initiative (9 November 1999) How does the Commission intend to consolidate and manage European spatial planning under the Communityís Interreg III initiative? What impact are current transnational interregional cooperation projects for the large European areas covered by Interreg II C likely to have in the future in the context of Interreg III? Will these geographical areas be amalgamated for the new Interreg III initiative in the same way that they were for Interreg II C? Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission (8 December 1999) Initiative (1), approved by the Commission on The draft guidelines for the Community Interreg III 13 October 1999, state in points 6 and 12 that the objective of this new Initiative is to promote ábalanced development of the EU territoryí, aiming á to promote a higher degree of territorial integration across large groupings of European regions, with a view to achieving sustainable, harmonious and balanced develop- ment in the European Unioní. In point 14, the guidelines specify that the measures ámust underpin an integrated territorial approach that responds to common problemsí and that programmes should take account of áthe recommendations for territorial development of the European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP)í