WRITTEN QUESTION P-1603/99 by Ioannis Marínos (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Earthquake in Turkey and nuclear power station at Ankaya.
C 203 E/10 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 18. 7. 2000 (2000/C 203 E/011) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1603/99 by Ioannis Marínos (PPE-DE) to the Commission (7 September 1999) Subject: Earthquake in Turkey and nuclear power station at Ankaya On 16 August 1999 Turkey suffered one of the most disastrous earthquakes in the countryís history, measuring approximately 7 on the Richter scale. Many thousands have been killed or injured in the earthquake and countless buildings have been destroyed in Istanbul, Izmit and Eskisehir. It is worth pointing out that the earthquake comes in the wake of a long series of highly destructive tremors that have affected the wider region in recent years, leaving it to be classified as one of the most earthquake prone regions in the world. What is the Commissionís view on the proposed construction of a nuclear power station in the Turkish region of Ankaya which was also hit around one year ago by a destructive earthquake in which dozens of Turks lost their lives and serious damage was done to buildings and infrastructures over a radius of several kilometres? Answer given by Mr. Verheugen on behalf of the Commission (15 October 1999) The information available to the Commission indicates that the Turkish authorities have not yet awarded the construction contract for the nuclear power station at Ankaya, nor does it give a date when they are likely to take such a decision. As far as safety is concerned, the authorities have already stated that the Ankaya site was chosen after detailed seismic, geological and environmental studies. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said that the assumptions underlying the proposed plans allow for a stronger earthquake than any ever recorded in the region, with the epicentre at the power station itself, rather than on the nearest fault line 20 kilometres away. According to the IAEA, the terrible earthquake in August in the north-west (though far away from Ankaya) would not have changed the results. Although the Commission is following this project closely, it does not have any authority in the decision- making process regarding the construction work or the site. The Turkish authorities, especially the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEA) are solely responsible. (2000/C 203 E/012) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1615/99 by Caroline Jackson (PPE-DE) to the Commission (15 September 1999) Subject: Bison meat and premium payments under EU beef regime Can the Commission state whether there is any possibility that it will agree to extend the system of premium payments under the EU beef regime to bison meat? If not, why not? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (8 October 1999) The Commission is not competent to extend the system of premiums in the beef and veal sector to include bison. Clearly, neither the current basic regulation on beef and veal (Regulation (EEC) No 805/68) (1), nor the new common organisation of the market as set out in Council Regulation (EC) No 1254/1999 (2) under