WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1527/99 by Stephen HUGHES Position of the Somalia people in Somalia
29. 1. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 27 E/111 The Commission has not considered until now the creation of a rapid environmental intervention body. However, in the Commission communication on implementing Community environmental law of October 1996 (3), several mechanisms to improve effective implementation were envisaged such as guidelines on minimum criteria for environmental inspections (the Parliament gave its opinion on 16 September 1999 to a proposal for a Parliament and Council recommendation providing for minimum criteria for inspections in the Member States (4)) and the setting up of complaints mechanisms at environmental Member Statesí level, together with improved access to justice in environmental matters. This latter issue is being considered in the broader context of the ratification of the Aarhus Convention. (1) OJ C 341, 29. 11. 1999. (2) OJ C 142, 21. 5. 1999. (3) COM(96) 500 final. (4) COM(98) 772. (2000/C 27 E/136) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1527/99 by Stephen Hughes (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1999) Subject: Position of the Somalia people in Somalia What steps is the Commission taking to promote creative solutions to the problem which will: a) b) allow for nominal inclusion of Somalia within the ACP group of countries, with a provision for formal accession should a recognised government emerge? and allow European Development Funds to be channelled to the Somali people in the absence of a recognised government? Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (6 September 1999) In order to ensure nominal inclusion of Somalia within the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of countries, a special article (364a) for Somalia was included in the last LomØ convention, allowing it to accede to the convention at the request of a new government (should this emerge) and after a decision of the Council of Ministers. In the absence of a recognized government, the balance remaining (47 million €) on the European development fund (EDF) 5 and 6 was combined for Somaliaís second rehabilitation programme. As these funds have all been committed now, a 15 % ceiling increase has been requested (7 million €) for further funding. All projects are being implemented by non-governmental organisations and United Nations organisations. The Commission also manages Italian cofinancing and administers humanitarian aid. (2000/C 27 E/137) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1528/99 by Monica Frassoni (Verts/ALE) to the Commission Subject: Waste tip in Dos Aguas, Valencia (Spain) (1 September 1999) In September 1998 a large-scale waste tip was opened in Dos Aguas, a village in Valencia near the river Jœcar. The waste tip is situated in a natural ravine on a 35 % gradient, only 400 metres from the river and