WRITTEN QUESTION E-0656/97 by Wilfried Telkämper (V) to the Commission (6 March 1997)

Subject: Cancellation of ECU 340 000 for 'Mexican Academy of Human Rights'

According to reports in the Mexican press ('Reforma' dated 18 January 1997) the Commission has withdrawn funding for a project in response to massive pressure from the current Mexican Government. The sum in question amounts to ECU 340 000 which was earmarked for the Mexican Academy of Human Rights which planned to monitor the next elections in Mexico City, paying particular attention to campaign costs, vote buying and forced voting.

Members of the Academy of Human Rights include:

- S. Aguayo, founder of Alianza Civica, one of the largest NGOs in Mexico,

- M. Conche, Prior of the St Domingo Order,

- R. Stavenhagen, American ethnologist and member of the Colegio de Mexico,

- C. Fuentes, internationally renowned Mexican writer,

- M. Cuéllar, Justice Minister,

as well as ambassadors, bishops, journalists and politicians of all political persuasions.

How does the Commission justify this retreat? Is it not of the opinion that this sends out a wrong or even a dangerous signal for the current negotiations on a new treaty with Mexico, since it is common knowledge that Mexico has so far refused outright to accept the usual clauses concerning respect for the principles of democracy and human rights as an essential component of this treaty?

Reply given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (3 April 1997)

The Commission thanks the Honourable Member for expressing interest in the project to support the Mexican Academy of Human Rights.

In 1996 the Commission decided to grant the Academy, a non-governmental, independent body of international standing, financial support of ECU 340 000 to enable it to implement a programme of civic education in the runup to the first elections for the post of Governor of Mexico City (to be held in July 1997). The aim of this measure was consistent with the objectives announced by President Zedillo when he presented his Government's second report to the Mexican Congress in September 1996.

However, the Mexican authorities have repeatedly expressed firm opposition to the Commission providing this kind of support. They have communicated the fact that, in their opinion, the 1991 cooperation agreement does not include a legal basis for this kind of cooperation measure.

It goes without saying that the Commission profoundly regrets the authorities' negative stand since it has put a stop to any further work on the project in question. The Commission has communicated these feelings to the Mexican authorities.

On the question of negotiating a new agreement with Mexico, the Council approved negotiating directives on 25 June 1996 which were based on a Commission proposal and included clauses on human rights and democracy. This is in line with the approach set out in the Commission's communication on taking into account respect for democratic principles and human rights in any agreements the Community negotiates with third countries, a communication the Council approved in May 1995.

The Commission regards these clauses as absolutely fundamental to any future agreement, be it with Mexico or any other third country.