WRITTEN QUESTION E-2731/99 by Luisa Morgantini (GUE/NGL) to the Council. Nicaragua: corruption and EU aid.
24. 10. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 303 E/101 (2000/C 303 E/095) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2731/99 by Luisa Morgantini (GUE/NGL) to the Council (13 January 2000) Subject: Nicaragua: corruption and EU aid Following the arrest of the President of the Nicaraguan Court of Auditors, Mr Agustin Jarquin, who had spoken out against serious financial irregularities committed by the present government, does the EU intend to review its programme of aid to the country without delay, pending Mr Jarquinís release, the reestablish- ment of proper institutional controls on the activities of the government and a thorough investigation of the above allegations? Reply (10/11 April 2000) 1. As the Honourable Member is probably aware, Mr Agustín Jarquin, Comptroller General of the Republic of Nicaragua, was released from prison on 24 December 1999. This liberation is no doubt the result of, on the one hand, the support given by numerous political personalities, the media and part of Nicaraguan public opinion and, on the other, international pressure, including dØmarche carried out by the European Union during the month of November 1999. 2. On that occasion the Union expressed its deep concern about the events which led to the arrest and imprisonment of Mr Jarquin and the institutional repercussions on the countryís governability. It is true that the consolidation of the rule of law, which involves, inter alia, a balance of powers and the existence of an independent, professional justice system, is a lengthy process in a country deeply scarred by civil war and a culture of confrontation. However, the imprisonment of the Comptroller General looked like a sanction centred chiefly on his attitude of independence vis-à-vis the executive power and on his fight against corruption. 3. The EU underlined that rule of law, transparency and respect for the independence of democratic institutions were of primary importance for any country and formed the foundation of development efforts. The European Union further underlined that these were important conditions in reaching the decision and the completion point of the initiative for Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC). 4. Nicaragua has since decided to revise its Constitution. It is clear, as regards some aspects of the institutional reforms under way, that the problem does not lie in the structures, whether or not collegial, of the Controlariaí, but rather in the need to prevent the independence of that institution from being limited, to ensure that those structures are free from politics and that they can carry out their respective duties fully and with complete transparency. Through the European Union, the Group of Five and international the international community is keeping up a dialogue with the Government of Nicaragua with a view to bolstering the necessary independence of the institutions. institutions, financial The EU will continue to follow closely the situation in Nicaragua, and in relation to its aid to the 5. country will abide by the principles mentioned above and as set out in the Stockholm declaration. (2000/C 303 E/096) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2733/99 by Carlo Fatuzzo (PPE-DE) to the Council (13 January 2000) Subject: Italian law which discriminates against disabled persons over the age of 65 Article 13 of the Treaty of Amsterdam states that the Union is to combat all discrimination based on age. Is the Council aware of the fact that Italian law (Article 19 of Law No 118 of 30 March 1971 and subsequent amendments) provides for the granting of a life-long financial benefit for citizens who are