WRITTEN QUESTION E-1535/01

by Ioannis Souladakis (PSE) to the Commission

(22 May 2001)

Subject: Measures to prevent the cultivation of cannabis and opium in Lebanon

According to articles appearing in the international press one of the consequences of the long drawn-out civil war in Lebanon has been the illegal cultivation of cannabis and opium replacing agricultural crops. To date, aid measures seeking to restore a healthy and developing agricultural economy in Lebanon, putting a definitive end to cultivation connected with drugs trafficking have not produced the hoped-for results. The press reports in question also mention US aid but make no reference to similar efforts by the European Union.

Given the major importance of combating drug trafficking and preventing this major scourge from afflicting the European Community:

1. What specific programmes of aid for Lebanon are currently being organised by the Commission?

2. Has the Commission provided funding for programmes to combat the cultivation of cannabis and opium and strengthen Lebanon's agricultural economy and if so what are these programmes?

3. Can the Commission provide any information concerning MEDA funding for programmes in Lebanon?

4. Have specific initiatives been taken to ensure cooperation with the Lebanese authorities in combating the illicit cultivation activities and networks trafficking in illegal drugs?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(19 July 2001)

1. There are no Community aid programmes at present under consideration in support of combating drug cultivation and trafficking.

2. In 1994 a grant of 600 000 was provided to the Government of Lebanon for training, technical assistance and equipment for controlling drug trafficking. In the same year an agreement was signed with the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) to provide a grant of 1 400 000 which focussed on crop replacement in the Bekaa Valley.

A grant of 164 032 was approved in 1996 to the Groupe International de Recherche en Toxicomanie and Fédération Internationale des Universités Catholiques for training of trainers in drug addiction problems.

The non-governmental organisation (NGO) SOS Drug International received a grant of 139 870 in 1998 to establish a reception centre and for assisting with the re-integration of drug addicts in Lebanon.

3. Over the period 1995-1999 (MEDA I) Lebanon was allocated 145 million in grants to support administrative, social and economic reforms, and an additional 21 million interest subsidy on an environmental sector loan from the European Investment Bank. The five principal areas supported by Community funding are rehabilitation of the public administration, investment planning programme, industrial modernisation, structural adjustment facility, and the establishment of a fund for social and economic development.

Support under MEDA II (2000 onwards) will focus on economic and fiscal reforms, implementation of the Association Agreement (expected to be concluded by end 2001), trade enhancement.

4. The two projects funded in 1994 entailed close co-operation with the interior ministry and other authorities in Lebanon involved with illicit drug cultivation and trafficking.