WRITTEN QUESTION E-2720/99 by Michael Cashman (PSE) to the Commission. Money transactions.
3. 10. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 280 E/111 Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission (2 February 2000) Community exports to Iran amounted to € 4 389 million in 1998. Imports amounted to € 3 980 million. Figures for 1999 are not yet available. The Commission is not aware of any arms deliveries from Member States to Iran. Relevant arms export control regimes are in force. (2000/C 280 E/116) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2717/99 by Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann (GUE/NGL) to the Commission Subject: Human rights violations in Iran (18 January 2000) What is the Commissionís general view on the latest human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran? Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission (8 February 2000) The Commission follows with concern the human rights situation in Iran. It has taken an active part in Union action in this area, through demarches and in the Union-Iran comprehensive dialogue. Although widespread human rights violations continue in Iran, there has been progress made in the last few years. One of the latest examples is the recent release of the German businessman, Mr Hofer, which the Commission warmly welcomes. The Commission will continue to follow developments in Iran closely in areas of concern, in particular regarding human rights, issues of non-proliferation and Iranís attitude to the Middle East Peace Process. In the light of these developments, and in the hope that they will be continued, the Commission would wish to see a gradually improving relationship with Iran. It will watch with particular attention the coming Majlis elections and any further policy development thereafter. (2000/C 280 E/117) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2720/99 by Michael Cashman (PSE) to the Commission (18 January 2000) Subject: Money transactions I am deeply concerned that European consumers are being misled in money exchanges across Europe. I have noted that, in the event of money exchange, customers are not being given a net receipt prior to the exchange which shows the exchange rate, commission and other deductions. Can the Commission indicate whether there are any plans to introduce legislation which would protect consumers in these situations? C 280 E/112 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 3. 10. 2000 Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission (23 February 2000) The Honourable Member will be aware that on 23 April 1998 the Commission issued Recommendation 98/286/EC on banking charges for conversion to the euro (1), which contains some important provisions on transparency. The Commission considers that transparency of conversion or exchange charges is essential to promote competition and thus to arrive at a reduction of those charges. Article 3 of the Recommendation provides that, for conversions or exchanges of currencies in the euro zone, banks and other bodies whose business it is to exchange bank notes (and Bureaux de Change as well) should provide to their customers clear and transparent information before a transaction is effected, namely written information on any charges to be applied. the Commission announced in this Recommendation that Furthermore, intends to monitor the application of this standard of good practice. The results of a study launched by the Commission at the end of 1999 on this subject will be presented in a communication in the first half of 2000. Furthermore, the various aspects of cross-border payments, including the exchange of bank notes, have been dealt with by the Commission in the communication on retail payments in the internal market (2). it Where abuses of transparency requirements have been brought to the attention of the Commission, it has pursued the matter with the national authorities. This has generally resulted in an end to any reported breaches. The above mentioned retail payments communication will provide a further incentive to financial institutions to comply with these provisions on transparency. (1) OJ L 130, 1. 5. 1998. (2) COM(00) 36. (2000/C 280 E/118) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2722/99 by Laura GonzÆlez `lvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (18 January 2000) Subject: Protection of the Iberian wolf Members of the environmental group Ciconia in Zamora (Spain) have launched a campaign to protest at the auction of hunting rights for three Iberian wolves in the Culebra hills, as allowed by the Castilla y León regional government since 1997. Quite apart from being in breach of the law passed by the Spanish government listing this animal in the Catalogue of Endangered Species, this measure does not resolve the social tension caused by the lack of compensation for harm caused to livestock. Under Directive 92/43/EEC (1) on habitats, the wolf is classed as a protected species south of the Duero river, and a controlled species to the north of the river. According to experts, the problem caused by the wolf population in Spain (which estimates place at approximately 2000) is one of control, and of perception by different social groups, particularly in rural areas, and first and foremost by herdsmen and livestock breeders. Will the Commission bring pressure to bear on the Spanish authorities to halt the auction of hunting rights for Iberian wolves, as authorised by the Castilla y León regional government? Could the Commission, together with the national authorities, put in place an effective information programme for herdsmen and livestock breeders on the importance of conservation measures for wolves, and a system to provide fair and rapid compensation for the damage they cause? (1) OJ L 206, 22. 7. 1992, p. 7