WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2446/98 by Angela SIERRA GONZÁLEZ to the Commission. Activities of the Chiquita multinational in Latin America
C 118/78 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 29. 4. 1999 (1999/C 118/097) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2442/98 by Katerina Daskalaki (UPE) to the Commission Subject: Threat to monuments of Kosovo (30 July 1998) It has been reported in the European press ( Le Soirí, 30. 6. 1998) that unique treasures of the European and world cultural heritage are unprotected and face total destruction Kosovo. Roman monuments, Christian monasteries and churches, Byzantine icons from the Fourteenth Century and rare manuscripts and Muslim places of worship of particular architectural value are under direct threat in the regions affected by the conflict. Can the Commission examine the possibility of sending experts to assess the state of these monuments and artefacts and to take measures to save these invaluable monuments of Europeís cultural heritage? Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (20 October 1998) The Commission is aware of the press articles concerning the protection and threat to the cultural heritage monuments and artefacts in Kosovo and is very much concerned. The Commission does not however have the competence to send an expertsímission to assess the state of these monuments and artefacts and to take measures for their protection. In the Commissionís opinion, the matter should be discussed by the relevant ministers within the framework of the Council. Furthermore, in the framework of its cooperation with the United Nations educational, scientific and cultural organization (UNESCO) and the Council of Europe, the Commission would be willing to consider offering assistance, should these organisations undertake an initiative concerning the matter raised by the Honourable Member. (1999/C 118/098) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2446/98 by Angela Sierra GonzÆlez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission Subject: Activities of the Chiquita multinational in Latin America (30 July 1998) Recent information published in various sectors of the media reveals a number of facts concerning the influence of the Chiquita multinational on US trade policy. For example, at the recent FAO conference on bananas held in Rome in May 1998, the US delegation was accompanied by four áadvisersí, all of whom held senior posts in the Chiquita company (which was not the case for other banana multinationals). The information also focuses on a number of facts which should be investigated, such as: › the acquisition of land in Latin American countries by the multinational company, even in breach of legislation in those countries; › cases of bribery in Colombia; › significant financial contributions to political leaders heading the dispute within the WTO concerning the trade arrangements for bananas in the European Union. Is the Commission aware of the degree of influence exerted by this multinational on EU policy with regard to international trade in bananas? Is the Commission prepared to investigate the reports in order to bring to light the multinationalís practices in Latin American countries?