WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1939/98 by Jaak VANDEMEULEBROUCKE to the Commission. Situation of conscientious objectors in Greece
22. 2. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 50/121 The limitation on the number of mobile operators › and the ensuing barriers to entry for operators from other Member States › is a consequence of the small number of frequencies available and is not attributable to any action on the part of the Italian Government; it does not, therefore, constitute a breach of any Treaty provisions. (1999/C 50/174) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1939/98 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARE) to the Commission Subject: Situation of conscientious objectors in Greece (18 June 1998) Is the Commission aware that in Greece, contrary to its own legislation and against all opinions including that of the European Parliament, conscientious objectors are still being hindered in their quest to have their status recognized and for the right to perform alternative civilian service. Apparently some have even been imprisoned. What measures does the Commission propose to take to bring to the Greek Governmentís attention the unacceptable nature of these activities? Does the Commission agree that in acting in this way Greece is seriously infringing human rights and thereby risks no longer fulfilling the requirements for membership of the European Union? What action will the Commission be taking as a result of the European Parliamentís earlier resolutions on the situation of conscientious objectors? Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (9 July 1998) As it has had many opportunities to point out, conscientious objection is a matter for the Member States; it is not for the Commission to express an opinion on a matter in which it is not competent. Member Statesí powers must be exercised in accordance with their international and regional obligations, and with the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in particular. (1999/C 50/175) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1962/98 by Luciano Vecchi (PSE) to the Commission (30 June 1998) Subject: Services for the management of external relations/development cooperation Following my oral question of 27 January 1998 (H-98/98) (1) and Mr Peter Cramptonís question of March 1998 (E-1122/98) (2) concerning the Commissionís reorganization of its services for the management of development cooperation, would the Commission provide further information about the impact of the new ácommon serviceí on the funding of NGOs? Would the Commission also state: 1. Where the new ácommon serviceí will be located and when it will become operational? 2. Whether it is anticipated that there will be staff reductions in the DGs responsible for external relations as a result of the establishment of the ácommon serviceí? 3. With reference to the funding of NGOs: (a) What impact will the setting up of the ácommon serviceí have on the management of the cofinancing of NGOs (budget line B7-6000) and on the structure of the DG VII B/2 unit?