WRITTEN QUESTION No. 263/99 by Graham WATSON International Olympic Committee
C 325/98 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 12. 11. 1999 Child mortality in Albania is the highest in Europe at 26 deaths per thousand, the rate being even higher in rural areas, and the number of women dying in child-birth is also high owing to the lack of monitoring during pregnancy. In what way does the Commission propose to intervene to put an end to all forms of child exploitation in Albania and effectively protect the human rights of children? Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (8 March 1999) The Commission is well aware of the prevalence of organised crime in Albania, which bears hardest on the most vulnerable members of the population, particularly children. The high crime rate is fuelled by the country’s security problems, weak government and poor economic prospects, coupled with cultural factors. A comprehensive programme to foster stabilisation and development in Albania has been in place since late 1997 with international backing; the Community is the major contributor, having provided aid in excess of €150 million, part of which is targeted on assistance for the police, the judicial system and the administration. Albania also receives humanitarian aid, which is used to repair medical facilities, including maternity units, and distribute medicines and food to the needy, including orphans and the poorest families. (1999/C 325/131) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0262/99 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission Subject: Greek operational programme for the environment (5 February 1999) What is the take-up to date of appropriations earmarked for sub-programme 2 of the operational programme for the environment (management of the human environment and control of air pollution in Athens) and for precisely which projects, with particular reference to measures 2. 3 (protection of the atmospheric environ- ment in the country and Athens and noise control) and 2. 5 (management of solid and toxic waste)? Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (12 March 1999) Take-up for sub-programme 2 of the operational programme (OP) for the environment under the 1994-99 Community support framework for Greece is at present 44,6 %. Take-up for measures 2. 3 and 2. 5 is 60 % and 40 % respectively and for the whole OP 58 %. The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable Member and the Parliament Secretariat a list of the projects so far included in measures 2. 3 and 2. 5. (1999/C 325/132) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0263/99 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission (17 February 1999) Subject: International Olympic Committee Is the Commission satisfied with the measures taken by the International Olympic Committee Executive Board following recent allegations of inappropriate behaviour by members of the IOC? Does the Commission agree that arrangements for the Olympic Games might be better handled by a more transparent and accountable organisation?