WRITTEN QUESTION E-0907/00 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Polluting activities of olive kernel oil plant in Crete.
C 46 E/76 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 13. 2. 2001 concrete measures for achieving the targets set in the Community drug strategy. The strategy and the action plan set up a common framework for drug related actions inside the Community. The strategy also emphasises the importance of facing the challenges posed by modern technology like the Internet. On the other hand, Internet may also be used for drug demand reduction. As the Honourable Members know, defining the underlying reasons of drug use is beyond the scope of this answer. Reasons leading to drug use are a complicated mixture of social, economic and cultural factors. In general, ecstasy-type synthetic drugs are most often used at clubs and dance parties during weekends. The increased use of cannabis among young people has connections with different youth cultures and drugs are often used instead of alcohol. Innovative demand reduction approaches are needed to take into account the specific characteristics of these groups of drug users. Drug legislation falls mostly within the competence of the Member States. Despite differences in legislation on drug addiction and drug-related crimes, the practice in Member States is increasingly convergent. Harmonisation of legislation is only needed when there is a legal vacuum, like with the control of new synthetic drugs. The joint action on new synthetic drugs (1) may be used to place substances under control in all Member States. It has been used to control a substance called 4-MTA. The Commission also intends to launch a study on common definitions, incrimination and sanctions regarding drug trafficking. (1) OJ L 167, 25. 6. 1997. (2001/C 46 E/080) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0907/00 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (25 March 2000) Subject: Polluting activities of olive kernel oil plant in Crete In reply to my question E-2328/99 (1) on health problems arising from the operation of an olive kernel oil plant in Iraklion, Crete, the Commission states that it ádoes not have any information on the pollution caused by this plantí and asks me to send it áa dossier describing the plantís polluting activitiesí. As I am informed that the problems persist and are making living conditions in the area unbearable, I am handing over to you a dossier containing documents from the ministries concerned, the local authorities and local organisations in the town, together with press reports. Will the Commission then answer my questions and provide further information if possible? (1) OJ C 225 E, 8. 8. 2000, p. 103. Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission (18 May 2000) The Commission has just received the dossier concerning the pollution caused by the olive oil plant in Iraklion, Crete. This type of activity is listed in Annex II to Directive 85/337/EEC as amended by Directive 97/11/EC (1). 13. 2. 2001 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 46 E/77 The Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, will investigate the case to check that Community law was impact assessment presented by the company concerned was not infringed when the environmental prepared. it will decide whether infringement proceedings should be initiated against Greece under Article 226 (ex Article 169) of the EC Treaty. If the Commission finds that Community law has been infringed, (1) Council Directive 97/11/EC of 3 March 1997 amending Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 73, 14. 3. 1997. (2001/C 46 E/081) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0908/00 by Isidoro SÆnchez García (ELDR) to the Council (24 March 2000) Subject: Referendum in Western Sahara On 29 February 2000 the UN Security Council adopted a resolution on Western Sahara in connection with the Peace Plan drawn up for this territory, which had been accepted and signed by the parties concerned ü the Kingdom of Morocco and the Saharoui Democratic Republic ü with a view to holding a referendum to determine the future of the area. Does the Council intend, via the High Representative for the common foreign and security policy, to include in its work programme participation in the control and monitoring of issues affecting the future of the Sahara, in particular as regards the referendum, since all this may directly affect certain areas of the European Union? Reply (10 July 2000) The Council closely follows issues affecting the future of Western Sahara. It fully supports the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General, his Special Representative for Western Sahara and his Personal Envoy, James Baker, concerning the future of Western Sahara. The Council is willing to contribute to this process and help build a climate of confidence and trust among the interested parties in order to find a solution acceptable to all interested parties of the region and based on respect for human rights and democratic principles. The Council takes note of the observation in the latest report of the United Nations Secretary-General that the timetable envisaged is no longer valid and that the date for the referendum can still not be set with certainty at this juncture. It welcomes the intention of the Secretary-General to ask his Personal Envoy to explore ways and means to achieve an early, durable and agreed solution of the dispute. The Council also supports Mr Bakerís initiative with respect to direct talks and welcomes the holding of a first meeting on 14 May in London. (2001/C 46 E/082) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0912/00 by Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission (29 March 2000) Subject: Viagra 1. Why has viagra been authorised as a drug by the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products although, in trials, out of 4000 people taking part, 22 cases of death occurred in the group to which the active substance was administered (compared with two deaths in the group to which a placebo was administered)?