WRITTEN QUESTION E-0485/99

by Wilfried Telkämper (V) to the Commission

(5 March 1999)

Subject: Bougainville

1. What steps has the Commission taken so far to support the peace process on Bougainville? What steps does it intend to take?

2. Has the Commission made contact with the parties to the conflict on Bougainville? if not, does it intend to establish contact in future?

3. Does the Commission intend to offer to observe the proposed elections on Bougainville? Has it made arrangements to observe the elections?

4. Has the Commission supported the setting-up of democratic institutions on Bougainville, or does it intend to do so in future?

5. What measures has the Commission taken, or does it intend to take, to rebuild and develop Bougainville, which suffered so much destruction in the war?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(13 April 1999)

1. The Commission has contributed substantial emergency and rehabilitation aid, which is part of what is often referred to as the peace dividend for the inhabitants of Bougainville. The main objective is to revive the economy, thereby providing proof that peace also carries material benefits. The total value of Commission projects for Bougainville implemented or approved since hostilities ended is [fmxeuro] 8,5 millions, or some [fmxeuro] 50 per inhabitant. In addition the Commission has made use of the conflict prevention network to obtain an academic analysis of the situation in Bougainville.

2. The Commission has been in touch with the parties to the conflict several times, most notably in connection with the visit of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP)-Community joint assembly to Bougainville in February 1998 and a mission of senior Commission officials in September 1998. Contacts continue, not least because they are necessary in order to ensure smooth implementation of the various projects.

3. The situation concerning the preparation of the coming elections is unclear. There is at present no definite timetable for the elections. The Commission has not been requested by any actor in Bougainville to participate in the observation of the planned elections. Other donors have indicated that they would be prepared to assist Bougainville with the elections. The Commission is, however, open to consider technical electoral assistance, but under two conditions: a) if the parties agree to hold the elections by consensus, and b) if they request electoral assistance and/or observation.

4. The Commission is not at this stage planning to give any additional support to democratic institution building in Bougainville. There are a number of reasons why the Commission is not likely to become a central player in this particular matter. Firstly, the substantial involvement of others in this, including like-minded donors. Secondly, that it is an important challenge to ensure implementation of the peace dividend interventions under the prevailing conditions in Bougainville. The Commission has limited human resources available and must prioritise activities carefully. Thirdly, while it is true that both the Commission and the Community are and are seen as neutral in the Bougainville conflict by all parties, this also goes for a number of countries in the region. It is consequently the Commission's conclusion that at this stage the Community is not likely to have any significant comparative advantage as facilitator in the conflict, compared to regional actors already involved, and who have the important asset of close cultural affinity. Finally, it is acknowledged that Papua New Guinea is a parliamentary democracy, which already has a long democratic tradition of its own.

The Commission is, however, considering whether it would be useful to launch an identification mission to establish if additional targeted assistance is called for in particular to facilitate the continuation of traditional reconciliation - in coordination with some Member States - which is considered important for shoring up the peace process.

5. The Commission's interventions for Bougainville amount at present to some [fmxeuro] 8,5 million. This includes emergency aid; rehabilitation of agriculture, in particular cocoa, as well as rehabilitation of road infrastructure of importance to the agriculture; developing eco-forestry as there is a need for timber for the reconstruction; upgrading of a high school and finally rural water supply. In addition some Member States have contributed in particular emergency aid.

The United Kingdom has made a bilateral contribution to Bougainville, and Finland has supported women groups, which have played an important facilitating role in the peace process.

Further assistance for Bougainville is under consideration.