ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3167/97 by Anne McIntosh (PPE) to the Commission (9 October 1997)

Subject: EU Stabex Funding Vanuatu

Is the Commission aware that there is increasing concern over apparent fraud at a local level in the administration of European Union Stabex funding in Vanuatu?

If this is the case, what action does the Commission intend to take to prevent such fraudulent activities in Vanuatu and what redress is there for those companies operating in the country that have suffered as a result?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (3 December 1997)

The Commission is aware of recent allegations by overseas buyers and local exporters against the Vanuatu commodities marketing board (VCMB), the organisation responsible for the purchase and export of certain agricultural commodities in Vanuatu. The allegations do not concern the management of Stabex funds, but rather relate to difficulties for local exporters in obtaining export licences.

Stabex funds have been allocated to VCMB in the past, most recently under the Framework of mutual obligations (FMO) signed in 1993 governing the use of 1988-1991 Stabex transfers (4.9 MECU in all, of which 1 MECU was allocated to the VCMB). This amount was to be payable in instalments, on three conditions (the publication of the results of a government-commissioned judicial enquiry; the publication of the annual financial audits of the VCMB and the holding of an European development fund (EDF) financed review into the accounting and management practices of the VCMB). These conditions were laid down as a result of the Commission's concerns over the quality of the management of the VCMB and, in particular, over possible excessive political interference in its commercial decision-making. The final instalment of the 1988-1991 FMO (ECU 250 000) was paid to the VCMB in December 1996 on fulfilment of the final condition of the FMO. At no time has the Commission found any evidence of illegal use of Stabex funds. Nevertheless, the Commission continues to have reservations regarding the management of the VCMB. As a result, no further Stabex funds have been allocated to the organisation since the 1988-1991 transfer, and none is envisaged.

Companies which consider that they have suffered as a result of actions by VCMB are free to seek redress through the Vanuatu courts.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3403/97 by Ole Krarup (I-EDN) to the Council (28 October 1997)

Subject: right of residence directives

With reference to the Amsterdam Treaty's new provisions on increased freedom of movement for persons etc., could the Council say to what extent the three directives on the right of residence adopted in 1990 now apply to a more extensive group of persons?

Answer (12 February 1998)

The three Directives adopted in 1990 to which the Honourable Member refers clearly determine the categories of person to which they are applicable.

When the Treaty of Amsterdam comes into force, third-country nationals will be able to benefit, under the future Articles 62(3) and 63(4), from measures setting out the conditions under which they may travel and reside in the territory of the Member States.

After entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam, it will be up to the Commission or the Member States to use their right of initiative to propose provisions relating to the right of residence of other categories of person.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3646/97 by Angela Sierra González (GUE/NGL) and Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (19 November 1997)

Subject: Referendum on independence in the Sahara

In September 1997, an agreement was reached in Houston between Morocco and the Polisario Front to hold a referendum to decide on the sovereignty of the Sahara.

Hitherto, Morocco has blocked the holding of this consultation of the Saharan citizens of the area, but the date proposed by Morocco appears to have removed any doubts as to whether the referendum would be held.

Through its humanitarian aid programmes, the EU repeatedly donated materials to help cover the basic necessities of the Saharan people, whose situation during a 22-year exile has been precarious.

The holding of the referendum, under the auspices of the United Nations Mission for the area, will require maximum support from the international community in order to ensure that it is held with the greatest possible transparency.

How does the Commission assess the agreement reached by the two parties under the auspices of the UN?

How much assistance does the Commission intend to give those organizing the referendum, with a view to helping with the holding thereof?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (9 December 1997)

Since the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 1084 in November 1996, the international community has in its quest for a peaceful solution to the conflict in Western Sahara chiefly pinned its hopes and efforts on a direct dialogue between the parties.

The appointment of Mr James Baker as the UN Secretary-General's special envoy has without doubt given fresh impetus to those hopes. The agreement concluded between Morocco and the Polisario Front on a code of conduct for the referendum seems to be a step forward towards resolving the conflict.

The Commission is keeping a close eye on developments in Western Sahara and is ready, where necessary, to facilitate any measures that could have a positive impact on the conflict as part of the common foreign policy.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3508/97 by Leonie van Bladel (UPE) to the Council (14 November 1997)

Subject: Parliamentary control of intelligence and security services in Agenda 2000

1. Does the Council know that on 20 September 1997 Mr K. M. Meulmeester, in his capacity as adviser to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, attended a Europe 2000 conference in Bucharest at which the main topic was 'European models on parliamentary control regarding law enforcement and intelligence organizations'?

2. Is the Council aware that, as the former head of the now defunct Netherlands Foreign Intelligence Service (IDB), Mr Meulmeester and the former Secretary-General of the Netherlands General Affairs Ministry, Mr R.J. Hoekstra, had files destroyed by the IDB as a matter of course and in particular had files relating to Suriname compiled and processed without parliamentary approval?

3. Does the Council not agree that officials who fail to comply with the democratic rules in their own country should in no circumstances be involved in information and support activities in Eastern Europe relating to intelligence and security services?

4. Will the Council ask the Commission to draw up guidelines to ensure that in future officials who have infringed democratic rules are in no circumstances involved in information and support activities relating to intelligence and security services?

Answer (20 January 1998)

The questions raised by the Honourable Member are not a matter for the Council.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3129/97 by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE) to the Commission (13 October 1997)

Subject: Women's training and the Information Society

A study entitled 'Finns and New Technology' has shown that the use of home computers varies clearly according to age and sex. Women over 30 in particular make very little use of home computers and their peripherals. Of women over 30 owning a modem connection, only 10% use it once a week. One reason for the low level of use is the lack of knowledge and skill.

What does the Commission intend to do to ensure that women obtain the training they need, for example in the form of intensive courses, to enable them to derive more benefit from the opportunities offered by the modern Information Society?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (24 November 1997)

The information society provides an opportunity for promoting gender equality. The Commission is however concerned that low levels of awareness among women of the new information and communication technologies could prevent them from reaping the potential benefits in terms of employment opportunities and of improved family and working life. It is therefore necessary to undertake efforts to promote the familiarisation of women with information and communications technologies (ICT) and to boost their skills levels.

The 1997 Commission call for proposals for projects promoting the development and awareness of the information society ((OJ C 148, 16.5.1997. )) has paid particular attention to the identification of experiences and potentialities of the information society for women.

The Commission is currently supporting through the European social fund (ESF) interventions under objectives 3, 4, 5b and 6 and the Community initiatives Employment-Now and ADAPT a good number of projects aimed at improving the ICT skills of women and using the information society tools to improve their situation in the labour markets. The current programmes will be monitored from this perspective. This spirit will also be maintained in the context of the reform of the structural funds, where the Commission has proposed the creation of a new Community initiative on human resources and equal opportunities.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3519/97 by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Council (14 November 1997)

Subject: Relations with Cuba

It has been reported in the press that the Cuban Deputy Minister for External Relations, Ms Allende, recently handed her Government's response to the common position adopted by the Fifteen in December 1996 to 'a senior Luxembourg official'.

Can the Council confirm or deny this information and, if possible, provide information on the above response by the Cuban Government, together with its own comments?

Answer (16 February 1998)

During the discussion held on 30 September 1997 in Luxembourg between Mr Wohlfart, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and Ms Allende, Cuban Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, the latter handed over the letter from the Cuban Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Robaina, Replying to the letter dated 30 August 1997 from the President-in-Office of the Council of Ministers, Mr Poos.

With regard to relations between the European Union and Cuba, the main points of the letter from Mr Robaina are as follows:

- linking cooperation with Cuba to improvements in the field of human rights or to democratic changes constitutes completely unjustified treatment. This approach is not consistent with the strengthening of bilateral links between Cuba and the vast majority of the Member States of the European Union, or with the excellent ongoing cooperation through European non-governmental organizations;

- the European Union's insistence on the release of Cuban dissidents is regarded as interference in Cuba's internal politics;

- it is possible to find common ground for relaunching the dialogue, insofar as an agenda could be tackled which included items which might interest the European Union but also those of interest to Cuba;

- the Cuban government has reiterated on several occasions its willingness to maintain with the European Union a genuine dialogue at all levels and in all fora; such a dialogue must be based on mutual respect and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs;

- Cuba hopes that, working together, the way towards a constructive and considerate dialogue will be found and that new, more fruitful contacts will be established.

Following the latest contacts with the Cuban authorities, the European Union is studying the possibility of opening a dialogue with Cuba in stages, which would start at the technical level and, depending on reactions from the Cuban side, could continue with cooperation in the field of human rights.

It should be pointed out that this approach is based on the premise that the Union will not abandon the means at its disposal if the human rights situation in Cuba fails to improve. The Union will in particular reserve the right to intervene publicly, including in international fora, in the event of a clear breach of human rights.

Furthermore, the Union will continue to appeal to the Cuban government to release those dissidents currently in prison.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3195/97 by Bernie Malone (PSE) to the Commission (16 October 1997)

Subject: SLIM

Can the Commission clarify what effects, if any, the SLIM process will have on the role of the European Midwives' Liaison Committee and its Advisory Committee, vis-à-vis the Commission?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (18 November 1997)

Firstly, the European Midwives' Liaison Committee - the European professional midwives' organisation - has no institutional links with the Commission. It should be distinguished in this respect from the Advisory Committee on the Training of Midwives, set up to liaise with the Commission by Council Decision 80/156/EEC of 21 January 1980 ((OJ L 33, 11.2.1980. )) at the time of adoption of the following sectoral directives: Council Directive 80/154/EEC concerning the mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal qualifications in midwifery and including measures to facilitate the effective exercise of the right of establishment and freedom to provide services1 and Council Directive 80/155/EEC concerning the coordination of provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action relating to the taking-up and pursuit of the activities of midwives.1

As regards the impact of SLIM (Simpler Legislation for the Internal Market) on the role of the Advisory Committee on the Training of Midwives, the Commission indicated in its communication to the Council and Parliament on the SLIM initiative ((COM(96) 559 final. )) that it would present proposals in 1997 designed to rationalise the workings of the various advisory committees on the training of doctors, nurses, dentists, veterinary surgeons, midwives and pharmacists. The Commission is currently engaged in work on this issue and has not yet reached an official conclusion on the matter.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3200/97 by Giulio Fantuzzi (PSE) to the Commission (16 October 1997)

Subject: Proper interpretation of the term 'vitello' (calf - veal)

The type of animal to which the term 'vitello' (calf - veal) refers in European legislation varies, depending on whether the relevant provisions concern protection during rearing and transport, imports from third countries, market intervention or quality standards for beef promotion measures.

1. Is there a specific provision which establishes the required characteristics of animals whose meat is marketed as 'veal'?

2. Does the Commission agree that steps should be taken to harmonize the characteristics of animals defined as 'calves' - in terms of weight, age, type of rearing and feeding - in the various relevant provisions?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (14 November 1997)

1. A single rule defining bovine animals on the basis of their specific character does not exist at Community level. However, depending on the individual problems which have arisen, the following definitions are used:

* under the common organisation of the market, in contrast to large bovine animals calves may not have a live weight greater than 300 kilograms (Article 1(2)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 805/68 of 27 June 1968 on the common organisation of the market in beef and veal ((OJ L 148, 28.6.1968. )));

- in the context of animal welfare, a calf is a bovine animal of up to six months in age (Article 2 of Council Directive 91/629/EEC of 19 November 1991 laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves ((OJ L 340, 11.12.1991. )));

- in connection with the promotion of meat, calves for slaughtering must to given liquid food containing at least 60% milk products, may not be older than six months or 140 kg carcase weight including all organs contained in the thoracic and abdominal cavities (see Annex I, point 3.5, to Commission Regulation (EEC) No 1318/93 of 28 May 1993 on detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2067/92 on measures to promote and market quality beef and veal ((OJ L 132, 29.5.1993. )));

- for the purposes of recording prices on the Community's representative markets, the definition is either for male calves aged from 8 days to 3 weeks (Article 8 of Commission Regulation (EEC)No 610/77 of 18 March 1977 on the determination of prices of adult bovine animals on representative Community markets and the survey of prices of certain other cattle in the Community ((OJ L 77, 25.3.1977. ))) or lean cattle aged on average between 6 and 12 months, of male sex, of an average weight equal to or lower than 300 kg live weight (Article 9 of the same Regulation as above), or calves for slaughtering reared exclusively on milk or preparations containing milk and slaughtered at up to six months of age (Article 10 of the same Regulation).

2. In view of the different purposes served, the Commission does not plan to draw up a single definition of 'calves' which could be used in all the above cases.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2891/97 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission (17 September 1997)

Subject: Transportation of mixed uranium oxide in IAEA Type B flasks

Can the Commission confirm that it is providing part of the funding for BNFL and other nuclear companies to build a test facility to get Mixed Uranium Oxide and Plutonium Oxide (MOX fuel) classified as Low Dispersible Materials in order for them to be transported in IAEA Type B flasks after 2001?

Is the Commission aware that there are serious safety issues involved in the continuing use of Type B flasks for this purpose?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (6 November 1997)

The Commission has been funding for several years study contracts in the area of safe transport of radioactive materials. The study cited by the Honourable Member is part of the action programme undertaken in 1996. To conduct the study, British nuclear fuels Ltd. (BNFL) has the lead in a consortium involving other European industrial partners from Belgium, France and Germany. They received a limited financial contribution to initiate the work on the 'Development of evaluation methods for the qualification of low dispersible material (LDM)'. These evaluation methods will require the construction of a test facility and the performance of a number of tests simulating air-accident conditions.

Once the evaluation methods have been established, any material including mixed oxide fuels (MOX) could be subjected to it, in order to examine if they can be qualified as LDM.

The Commission is aware of the concerns about the continuous use of type B packages during air transport and follows the evaluation of these concerns within the Commission's expert standing working group on the safe transport of radioactive material. The same concerns are addressed by the International atomic energy agency (IAEA), through its safety standard advisory committee, which recently recommended the establishment of a coordinated research programme entitled 'accident severity during the air transport of radioactive material'. The Commission is following closely the development of that programme.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3325/97 by Maartje van Putten (PSE) to the Commission (20 October 1997)

Subject: Implementation of the European Parliament's resolution on the violation of the rights of the indigenous peoples and the logging of tropical forests on Yamdena Island in Indonesia

Further to Parliament's resolutions B4-0065/97 and 0130/97 ((OJ C 85, 17.3.1997, p. 147. )),

1. is the Commission aware whether the Indonesian Government has already withdrawn the logging concessions granted to PT Inhutani and PT Mohtra Agung for 164 000 ha of tropical rainforest on Yamdena Island in the Moluccan Archipelago?

2. Has the Indonesian Government already introduced a procedure to secure the land rights of the indigenous peoples of Yamdena Island?

3. Is the Commission providing support to grassroots organizations in the Moluccan Archipelago working to promote indigenous development?

4. If so, what form does its support take?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (14 November 1997)

The Commission has held intensive talks with the Indonesian government as to how to follow up the Parliament's resolution of 20 February 1997 on Yamdena. It has been agreed that a joint identification mission will be sent to Yamdena before the end of the year. The findings of this mission will be discussed in order to identify the most appropriate strategy to support the indigenous people living in Yamdena in order to alleviate poverty and to support integrated, sustainable development in Yamdena. In these discussions, the Parliament's resolution has guided the Commission's position.

The Commission's information about the logging concessions is that the operations of PT Inhutan I and PT Mohtra Agung Persada are continuing. It should be recalled, however, that the concession actually comprises 2 500 hectares of protection forest, 84 375 hectares of limited production forest and 77 125 hectares of production forest.

The Commission is not aware of any recent positive developments on the question of land rights. The Commission is in regular contact with an European non governmental organisation which is assisting a number of local communities including six villages in Yamdena with development and training activities using Community funding. However, this is an issue that will be examined in more detail during the preparation of the mission and the mission itself.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3383/97 by Riccardo Garosci (UPE), Livio Filippi (PPE), Giacomo Santini (UPE), Danilo Poggiolini (PPE), Antonio Trizza (NI), Monica Baldi (UPE) and Luisa Todini (UPE) to the Commission (23 October 1997)

Subject: Labelling of olive-oil and proposed IOOC amendment

Will the Commission make representations to the governing bodies of the IOOC (International Olive Oil Council) regarding the proposal to amend the rules on the labelling of olive-oil? When it holds its next meeting in Turkey on 18 November 1997, the international organization is apparently planning to change the definition of 'country of production' for labelling purposes.

In practice, under the new proposal, imported olive-oil, irrespective of its origin, could be called by the name of the importing country if it had merely been processed (for example filtered) there and a small percentage of oil produced in that country had been added to it.

This provision would obviously run counter to the idea of safeguards for consumers and olive-oil producers in the EU designed to guarantee clear information and a high standard of quality.

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3201/97 and E-3383/97 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (17 November 1997)

It should first be stated that under the International Olive Oil Council (IOOC) commercial standard for olive oil and olive-residue oil, the practices to which the Honourable Members refer may confer the origin of the country where the processes of filtering and the addition of national olive oil are carried out on the resulting product.

It is precisely to avoid the repetition of such practices that the Commission asked the IOOC to look into the modification of this standard to, amongst other things, establish stricter and more transparent rules for conferring origin.

Modification of the IOOC commercial standard on the definition of the country of origin will be examined during the 77th session of the IOOC in Turkey from 17 to 21 November 1997.