WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2585/98 by Robert EVANS to the Commission. Human rights in Bahrain
5. 2. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 31/151 (1999/C 31/217) WRITTEN QUESTION P-2585/98 by Robert Evans (PSE) to the Commission (29 July 1998) Subject: Human rights in Bahrain Would the Commission inform me of what action it is considering in the light of the continued human rights abuses taking place in Bahrain, highlighted by several international human rights organisations? Of particular pressing concern is the dissolution and possible court case against the Bar Association, the banning of several journalists and the continued imprisonment of opposition leaders, held for over two years without trial? Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (10 September 1998) The Commission does not have any bilateral contractual arrangement with Bahrain providing a framework for dialogue on human rights issues. However, in the joint council the Community and the Gulf co-operation council (GCC) concluded in 1989 (1), questions concerning human rights and democracy are raised. The Commission encourages Bahrain and the other GCC countries to promote democracy and to become signatory parties to and fully apply international instruments in relation to human rights. The reinforced political dialogue between the Community and the GCC practised since 1996 has provided a new forum for raising questions of human rights and democracy with the GCC authorities. The negotiation of a free trade agreement can also be used as a vehicle for raising concerns on human rights and democracy. (1) Council Decision of 20 February 1989; 89/147/EEC (OJ L 54, 25. 2. 1989) (1999/C 31/218) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2592/98 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission Subject: Compliance with quality standards in public works in Greece (1 September 1998) A report drawn up by the body responsible for the quality control of public works in Greece (ESPEL) concerning regional development projects jointly funded by the 2nd CSF identified breaches of quality standards so serious in some cases that there was a risk of requiring the work to be carried out again. Since failure to comply with quality standards gives rise to major problems in terms of duly completing projects on time and within the approved budget, will the Commission say: 1. whether the Commission or the Member State has made any claims against contractors responsible for the works who were found to be in breach of the quality standards, and 2. whether there are procedures whereby the names of the firms (contractors) held responsible for such breaches can be made known and whether they can be excluded from tendering for contracts in future? Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (7 October 1998) The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question no P-2120/98 by Mr Trakatellis (1). (1) OJ C 354, 19. 11. 1998, p. 131