WRITTEN QUESTION P-0974/02

by Brian Crowley (UEN) to the Commission

(3 April 2002)

Subject: Crisis in Madagascar

On 22 November 2001 a declaration was issued by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union concerning Madagascar's presidential elections. The Presidency stated that it was keeping an interested and careful watch on the preparation and organisation of the presidential elections of 16 December 2001. It also welcomed the Malagasy authorities' commitment to ensuring that the elections would be held in accordance with democratic procedures.

Will the Commission now provide its up-to-date assessment of the situation in Madagascar following the elections, taking into account the above declaration and the Common Position of 25 May 1998 which underlined the EU's insistence on the need to observe human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance in Africa?

Will it furthermore make a statement on the issue of alleged corruption in this country and the operation of the tax-free zone as an area for cheap labour?

Finally, will the Commission outline what EU actions and new initiatives are being taken and can be taken in the future to ensure the development of a strong democracy and economy in Madagascar?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2002)

The Commission is monitoring developments in Madagascar closely. It deplores the violence that has occurred in the aftermath of the December 2001 presidential elections. It supports the mediation efforts of the Organisation of African Unity and the United Nations, and has issued declarations encouraging the parties involved to enter into a democratic dialogue and to demonstrate moderation.

The Commission is aware of discrepancies in the electoral process: a consortium of local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and church representatives observed the elections, but the results made known by the consortium were only partial, and were at odds with official data.

Under the present circumstances, the EU has welcomed, in its declaration of 22 April, the agreement signed by the two candidates in Dakar on 18 April.

The two candidates agreed to a transitional reconciliation government and to a referendum, to be organised within six months with the help of the UN, the OUA, the European Union and the international community, if no clear winner emerges from a recount of votes cast in December presidential poll.

The results achieved with this agreement are in keeping with the objectives of the European Union to restore civilian peace and the principles of democracy in the country and to find a political solution to the crisis.

The European Union is prepared to offer political and technical support for the implementation of the agreement and, in the perspective of new elections being called, to assist in their organisation, inter alia, by sending international observers.

Moreover, the agreement will enable the European Union to continue implementing its assistance and co-operation programmes.

Corruption is a problem. Also for this reason judicial reform has been identified as a crucial issue and a justice programme will be implemented under the 9th European Development Fund (EDF) national indicative programme (NIP).

With regard to the tax-free zone, about 110 000 people were employed in this zone in 2001. Because of the political situation, it is foreseen that only 30 000 people will be employed in the zone at the end of 2002. Salaries in the tax-free zone are above the Malagasy average.

As for development initiatives, the 9th EDF country strategy paper and national indicative programme for Madagascar were approved by the Commission in November 2001, but the signing has been delayed by the political crisis. The allocation for Madagascar is EUR 327 million. Transport and rural development are focal sectors of the future cooperation programme. Issues of strengthening of the rule of law and good governance are also addressed, in particular the question of judicial reform.