WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2356/98 by Carole TONGUE to the Commission. Commission support for maintaining Polygram Filmed Entertainment as a European company
29. 4. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 118/59 (1999/C 118/071) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2348/98 by James Moorhouse (ELDR) to the Commission (27 July 1998) Subject: Situation in Nigeria Following the political upheavals in Nigeria, what attitude does the Commission intend to adopt in its future relations with the new government? Does the Commission take the view that the regimeís initial relaxation of restrictions shows a genuine will to reform? If so. what measures does the Commission intend to put into effect to encourage them? Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (15 September 1998) The Commission is following developments in Nigeria very closely. After a long period of deteriorating economic and political conditions, including an increasing level of violations of human rights, the new head of State, General Abubakar, has made a number of declarations expressing a clear will to return to democratic and civilian rule. Moreover, he has released a number of political prisoners. These developments have been widely regarded as promising. The international community, including the Union, has therefore welcomed the declarations and the release of prisoners and has concluded that a window of opportunity is at hand. The Union has reiterated the importance of civilian rule and the release of all remaining political prisoners. It has also showed willingness for a closer dialogue with the Nigerian authorities. The Commission fully shares the view that there is a political momentum at hand. This positive view has been confirmed by the fact that the Nigerian authorities have pursued the reforms during the months of August and September. A time-table for local, state, legislative and presidential elections has been presented including a plan for registration of new parties. The Commission is willing to assist the Nigerian authorities in rebuilding civil society and civil institutions in Nigeria, and is presently discussing possibilities to support the elections. The Commission, together with the Member States, is in favour of an intensified dialogue with the Nigerian authorities, a dialogue which could also include Nigeriaís future role in the framework of the LomØ Convention. (1999/C 118/072) WRITTEN QUESTION P-2356/98 by Carole Tongue (PSE) to the Commission (13 July 1998) Subject: Commission support for maintaining Polygram Filmed Entertainment as a European company The European Unionís Audiovisual Policy has as one of its goals the promotion of strong, integrated European companies capable of promoting and distributing films at a global level. Polygram has been sold to a non-EU company, but it is possible that Polygram Filmed Entertainment (PFE) will be sold separately. In view of the above, does the Commission politically support efforts made to maintain PFE as a European company? Furthermore, given that Polygram has, in the past, received financial aid from European sources, including the MEDIA II programme, what would be the position if it ceased to be a European company?