WRITTEN QUESTION E-0085/00 by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Ivory trade.
21. 11. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 330 E/79 (2000/C 330 E/085) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0085/00 by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission (24 January 2000) Subject: Ivory trade Could the Commission confirm that there are far-reaching proposals by southern African countries to argue during the forthcoming CITES negotiations in favour of allowing trade in ivory? Is the Commission aware that allowing such trade would give a huge boost to the (illegal) hunting of elephants? What position does the EU intend to adopt in the forthcoming CITES negotiations in Nairobi, and where do the individual Member States stand on the possibility of allowing trade in ivory? Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission (25 February 2000) A number of proposals concerning trade in African elephant ivory have been tabled for discussion at the forthcoming 11th conference of the parties to Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES). Some are in favour of allowing trade in ivory, others against. The Commission is aware that unless properly regulated, international trade in ivory can encourage the illegal hunting of elephants. Member States will vote at the conference on the basis of a proposal from the Commission. The determination of the common position will be made in the Council. The Commission is still considering the proposal it will make to the Council to prepare the Community for the conference of the parties. (2000/C 330 E/086) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0086/00 by Camilo Nogueira RomÆn (Verts/ALE) to the Council (24 January 2000) Subject: Situation in Chechnya What is the state of play as regards the EUís initiatives relating to the war in Chechnya, given that the Russian Government and its army are still causing horrendous loss of life and damage to property in a situation which cannot reasonably be resolved other than through the acceptance of democratic self- determination for the Chechan nation, which for historical reasons is quite distinct from the Russian nation and which is demonstrating a clear political will? Reply (2 May 2000) The Helsinki European Council adopted a declaration on the conflict in Chechnya, condemning the position adopted by Russia toward that Republic. In that declaration, the following consequences were drawn from the Russian attitude: ü review of the implementation of the Common Strategy on Russia; ü suspension of certain provisions of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and strict application of the trade provisions;