EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/396

(2004/C 88 E/0402)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2262/03

by Mario Mastella (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(1 July 2003)

Subject: Serious political, social and economic crisis in Venezuela

Considering that:

— the political crisis in Venezuela is dragging that country into a very serious economic and social crisis. On top of a two-month old general strike, imports to a country reliant on the outside world for almost all types of good have been paralysed for over 130 days now, and the government has adopted exchange rate control as a political weapon to punish everyone participating in the strike;

— thousands of companies have closed down and unemployment has increased to 26 %, to add to a rate of 56 % employment in the hidden economy;

— as from 19 August 2003, it will be possible for a recall referendum to be held, on the basis of the Venezuelan constitution and the agreement signed between the government and the Democratic Coordination, and with mediation by the OAS, to end the President's term of office. The Venezuelan Government is contriving to delay and delegitimize this by every means possible;

— moreover, with a view to forthcoming elections, the government is granting citizenship to Cubans, Chinese, and Colombians;

— venezuela is home to millions of EU citizens and their descendants, who are the lifeblood of the SME sector that has been throttled by economic measures and whose safety is endangered by the increase in violence that has resulted in 50 deaths during demonstrations and in 25 murders a day owing to the general chaos and absence of the rule of law.

In the light of the above, could the Commission indicate:

1. what action it will take to protect European citizens in Venezuela and to avert their potential return migration;

2. whether it is considering any form of action to address the unconstitutional measures and human rights violations of which the present Venezuelan Government stands accused;

3. whether the European Union plans to send international observers to Venezuela to ensure that the referendum is conducted lawfully and reflects the opinions of the inhabitants of that country?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(30 July 2003)

The Commission is closely following the political situation in Venezuela. The Union has fully supported the Organisation of American States, together with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Carter Centre in the tripartite working group, and the Group of Friends, in their efforts to facilitate a national dialogue. The Union, in several Declarations, has emphasised the need for a peaceful, democratic, constitutional and electoral solution. In its last Declaration of 5 June 2003, the Union welcomed the Venezuelan Government and opposition's signing of a political agreement on 29 May 2003 and called upon all parties to proceed without delay to the necessary follow-up needed to implement the Agreement. It also stressed that the Union stands ready to assist in the implementation of the Agreement, which comprises support for an electoral solution, investigation of the events of April 2002, and disarming the civilian population.

In order to do so, the Commission signed a project to assist the Organisation of American States in its efforts to implement the Agreement. The amount budgeted is EUR 600 000.

In the event that an electoral consultation takes place, the Commission is ready to consider a possible Election Observation. The final decision on whether to send an Election Observation Mission would be made on the basis of receiving an invitation from the Venezuelan authorities which could open up the possibility for a possible Exploratory Mission which would assess whether an Union observation is advisable, useful and feasible.

No specific actions to protect Union citizens in Venezuela have been taken at the Union level. Their protection and support is normally ensured by their Member States of origin.