WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1043/98 by Undine-Uta BLOCH von BLOTTNITZ to the Commission. Construction project in the Turkish nature reserve of Kabak Koyou
C 354/56 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 19. 11. 98 5. Does the Commission have the power to make proposals for binding agreements between the Member States prohibiting them from spying on one another and the EU institutions, instituting strict rules concerning interception of the communications of members of the public, organizations, businesses and government bodies, permitting such interception only for precisely defined security purposes, and guaranteeing procedures for independent judicial supervision, proper consideration of complaints and parliamentary control? If so, will the Commission make such proposals? Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (15 May 1998) 1 and 4. internal Commission decisions on the secure handling of classified information. The sending of confidential information by these open means of communication is prohibited by The Honourable Member is referred to the Commissionís answer to her Written Question E-1039/98 (1). 2. It is normal practice for the Commission to keep its security arrangements under constant review. In a communication to the Parliament and other institutions (2), the Commission has already given its view 3. on the need for security and privacy in electronic communication. 5. The Commission does not have such power according to its competence as defined by the EC Treaty. (1) See page 55. (2) COM(97) 503. (98/C 354/97) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1043/98 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz (V) to the Commission (6 April 1998) Subject: Construction project in the Turkish nature reserve of Kabak Koyou On 8 August 1997 a region in Turkey called Gemile Koyou was designated a nature reserve. This region of unique natural beauty is one of the most important reserves and egg-laying sites of the caretta-caretta turtle. Despite the comprehensive rules that have been adopted classifying the region a protected area under Turkish law, a hotel complex is now being completed there. This construction project and the necessary infrastructures will permanently damage the region and pose a threat to the survival of the caretta-caretta turtle. 1. Does the Commission possess any information about the above project, and if so, what information? Does it see any possibility of exerting pressure on Turkey, within the framework of international 2. conventions on the protection of endangered species, to stop this building project going ahead? Does it see any other possibility of preserving one of the last reserves of the caretta-caretta turtle which in 3. imminent danger of extinction? Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (8 May 1998) The Commission can inform the Honourable Member that Gemile Koyu is officially listed in Turkey as a protected site. No permission has as yet been given to build a hotel. The authorities are now undertaking an in-depth study of the reserve to see what degree of protection its unique characteristics require. A decision will then be made on whether or not to build a hotel. As things stand, the contractual relations that the Community has with Turkey do not allow it to intervene in this case