WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2965/98 by Gerardo FERNÁNDEZ-ALBOR to the Commission. Subsidy for Community fishermen affected by ecological bans in third countries
C 297/38 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 15. 10. 1999 Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (23 October 1998) On 8 April 1998, the Commission decided to launch an investigation under Article 93 (2) of the EC Treaty on the aid measures included in Greek law nr. 2538/97. In the framework of this procedure, the Commission expressed its doubts about the conformity with the Treaty of several aid measures, including the debt write-offs mentioned by the Honourable Member. The Commission will receive the observations of the Greek government, as well as any remarks from third parties. Following assessment of this information, the Commission will issue a final decision on these aid measures. (1999/C 297/051) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2943/98 by Gianfranco Dell’Alba (TDI) to the Commission (8 October 1998) Subject: B7-707 1 Human rights and democracy in Asian countries On the initiative of the European Parliament, the European Union budget provides in Item B7-707, Human rights and democracy in Asian countries, for ECU 5 million covering the promotion of the radio broadcasting of information by Tibetans. On 31 July 1998, 7 months after the budget was adopted by the Budgetary Authority, no commitment appropriation has been committed although specific projects have been presented to the Commission. Since the Commission entered this budget line in its preliminary draft budget with the same remark and the Council retained it at first reading, why has the Commission still done nothing and what is it waiting for in order to implement it? Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (17 November 1998) In the context of its general contacts and specific human rights dialogue with China one of the Commission’s prime objectives is recognition and protection of the cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious identity of ethnic minorities in China, and especially in Tibet. The Commission has decided to take a concrete approach, concentrating on projects within Tibet itself to help local communities of ethnic Tibetans. So far none of the projects submitted to it has fitted in with this strategy of positive measures and it has therefore declined to support them. It naturally remains willing to give favourable consideration to requests from non-governmental organisations working in the Autonomous Region of Tibet along the lines set out above. (1999/C 297/052) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2965/98 by Gerardo Fernández-Albor (PPE) to the Commission (8 October 1998) Subject: Subsidy for Community fishermen affected by ecological bans in third countries The ecological ban, imposed for the months of September and October by the Mauritanian Government, will force numerous Community shipowners who specialise in catching black hake to moor their boats in harbour and face a closed season imposed by this African state