EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/692

(2004/C 88 E/0710)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0218/04

by Eija-Riitta Korhola (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(30 January 2004)

Subject: Practical measures under the EU's policy on Chechnya

The European Union has with laudable consistency drawn attention to the issue of Chechnya in its dialogue with Russia, but its criticisms of human rights violations have been confined to the context of such discussions.

The human rights organisation Memorial, to cite but one source, has reported on inadequacies in the investigation of serious human rights violations. Memorial knows of at least 2800 ‘disappearances’, of which only 47 are known to have resulted in legal proceedings. The organisation knows of only three or four cases in which soldiers have received long sentences.

How can the European Union do more to persuade the Russian leadership to permit freedom of action to Members of the Duma and organs of the mass media that criticise the policy it has hitherto pursued on Chechnya?

Does the Community's dependence on energy imports from Russia restrict the EU's freedom, in the field of foreign policy, to exceed the bounds of the customary courtesy required by diplomacy?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 2004)

Regrettably, the current conflict in Chechnya does not show signs of ‘normalisation’. Indeed, there are disturbing reports of ongoing human rights violations and the security situation has if anything deteriorated, spreading beyond the north Caucasus, since the constitutional referendum in March 2003.

The view of the Commission is that it is fundamental that the rule of law and full respect for human rights (including media freedom) be restored in Chechnya, if a lasting solution to the conflict is to be found. Amongst the specific issues which the Commission has raised with the Russian authorities is that of access rights to Chechnya. It has done so in particular for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in the provision of humanitarian aid, but the Commission is also concerned that it has become increasingly difficult, if not impossible, for journalists to travel to the republic to report on the situation.

The Commission is acutely aware of the lack of reporting within Russia on the situation in Chechnya. In addition to increased restrictions on the activities of Russian media outlets, including the closure of TVS, the last remaining nationwide private television channel in 2003, many Russian journalists have observed that the Russian media deliberately tones down criticism of Russian policy in Chechnya, for fear of harassment by the authorities.

In these circumstances, the Commission considers that it is essential to hold an open and frank dialogue, in order to underline the need for Russia to respect the values to which it is committed as a member of the Organisation of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and Council of Europe, including respect for human rights and media freedom. As set out in its recent Communication to the Council and to the Parliament on relations with Russia, the Commission is of the view that the EU can influence developments in Russia if it is ready to take up difficult issues with the Russian authorities in a clear and forthright manner. It is suggested that the EU as a whole confirm that shared European values remain the basis for deepening relations and that the EU and its Member States raise vigorously and coherently their concerns over the non-respect of human rights.

The Commission's firm position on Russia's human rights record is not in any way ‘restricted’ by its economy or energy relationship with Russia.