WRITTEN QUESTION P-0228/98 by Luciano Vecchi (PSE) to the Commission (30 January 1998)

Subject: Aid to the Kurdish population in northern Iraq

At the end of 1997 ECHO suspended its aid to humanitarian action in support of the Kurdish population in northern Iraq.

This decision has had serious repercussions on living conditions for the communities concerned and is preventing humanitarian organizations working in the region from carrying out their humanitarian aid and rehabilitation activities.

1. Will the Commission state in what way it is prepared to support humanitarian, rehabilitation and development projects conducted in northern Iraq by non-governmental organizations?

2. Is the Commission aware that suspension of aid to the local populations is, among other things, further contributing to the flight of thousands of refugees to other countries, including European Union Member States?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (5 March 1998)

There appears to be a degree of misunderstanding concerning Commission plans for humanitarian assistance to the Kurdish population of North Iraq.

Since the beginning of the Kurdish crisis in 1991 the European Community humanitarian office (ECHO) has been the major supplier of humanitarian aid to Iraq, with total contributions to date totalling 217.67 MECU worth of aid. A further allocation of 10 MECU covering the period January-October 1998 has been approved by the humanitarian committee on 30 January 1998.

Taking into account the reality that the volume of humanitarian aid allowed under the United Nations resolution 986 ('oil for food') and following resolutions would dwarf any bilateral aid such as that provided by ECHO, the Commission has come however to the conclusion that ECHO's activity in 1998 should be concentrated on topical sectors such as de-mining, where it would remain useful and cost-effective.

1. In this framework, ECHO will give priority, in its assistance plan to northern Iraq for 1998, to the sectors of de-mining and support to the victims of land mines and armed conflict. It is estimated that there are still some ten million anti-personnel mines in Iraq. These are mainly to be found along the border with Iran particularly in the Suleimaniyah Governate.

The 1998 global plan, recently approved, foresees in particular the financing of a 2 MECU programme for victims of land mines and armed conflict, to be implemented by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). These operations provide support from the first aid field post, to the surgical centre, to post operative care and social reinsertion; as well as additional ECU 250 000 support for the production of prostheses.

2. Nothing in the analysis by the Commission (and partner NGOs) of the situation in North Iraq suggests that the humanitarian situation may be a decisive factor behind the recent flow of Kurdish immigrants and asylum seekers towards Western Europe. The situation is under control in terms of food and health supplies.

The Commission has taken note, on the other hand, of the view that the prospect of an ECHO withdrawal from Northern Iraq may add to the psychological stress of a population which feels exposed to threats from both Ankara and Baghdad, and dependant on a still uncertain UN course of action. It also considers seriously the argument of those (in the Member States and also in the Parliament) who regard ECHO's presence and visibility in the field as an asset for the Community in this crisis theatre.

In view of the above developments, the Commission does not envisage discontinuing ECHO programmes in North Iraq in 1998, and will re-evaluate the situation later in the year.