do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2585/98 by Robert EVANS to the Commission. Human rights in Bahrain
Date: 1998-07-29
Institutions: EVANS, European Parliament
Subjects: Bahrain, democratisation, human rights, human rights movement, protection of freedoms

5.2.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 31/151

(1999/C 31/217)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2585/98

by Robert Evans (PSE) to the Commission

(29 July 1998)

Subject: Human rights in Bahrain

Would the Commission inform me of what action it is considering in the light of the continued human rights
abuses taking place in Bahrain, highlighted by several international human rights organisations?

Of particular pressing concern is the dissolution and possible court case against the Bar Association, the banning
of several journalists and the continued imprisonment of opposition leaders, held for over two years without trial?

Answer given by Mr Mar(cid:237)n on behalf of the Commission

(10 September 1998)

The Commission does not have any bilateral contractual arrangement with Bahrain providing a framework for
dialogue on human rights issues. However, in the joint council the Community and the Gulf co-operation council
(GCC) concluded in 1989 (1), questions concerning human rights and democracy are raised. The Commission
encourages Bahrain and the other GCC countries to promote democracy and to become signatory parties to and
fully apply international instruments in relation to human rights.

The reinforced political dialogue between the Community and the GCC practised since 1996 has provided a new
forum for raising questions of human rights and democracy with the GCC authorities.

The negotiation of a free trade agreement can also be used as a vehicle for raising concerns on human rights and
democracy.

(1) Council Decision of 20 February 1989; 89/147/EEC (OJ L 54, 25.2.1989)

(1999/C 31/218)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2592/98

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Compliance with quality standards in public works in Greece

(1 September 1998)

A report drawn up by the body responsible for the quality control of public works in Greece (ESPEL) concerning
regional development projects jointly funded by the 2nd CSF identified breaches of quality standards so serious
in some cases that there was a risk of requiring the work to be carried out again.

Since failure to comply with quality standards gives rise to major problems in terms of duly completing projects
on time and within the approved budget, will the Commission say:

1. whether the Commission or the Member State has made any claims against contractors responsible for the

works who were found to be in breach of the quality standards, and

2. whether there are procedures whereby the names of the firms (contractors) held responsible for such
breaches can be made known and whether they can be excluded from tendering for contracts in future?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(7 October 1998)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question no P-2120/98 by
Mr Trakatellis (1).

(1) OJ C 354, 19.11.1998, p. 131.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2587/98 by Otto von HABSBURG to the Commission. Advertising for automobiles and motorcycles
Date: 1998-07-29
Institutions: European Parliament, HABSBURG
Subjects: advertising, code of conduct, control of communications, motor car, road safety, two-wheeled vehicle













EUR-Lex - 91998E2587 - EN






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91998E2587

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2587/98 by Otto von HABSBURG to the Commission. Advertising for automobiles and motorcycles  


Official Journal C 096 , 08/04/1999 P. 0118 





WRITTEN QUESTION P-2587/98by Otto von Habsburg (PPE) to the Commission(29 July 1998)Subject: Advertising for automobiles and motorcyclesAccording to a report in a leading German newspaper, the Commission has drawn up a proposal to restrict automobile and motorcycle advertising on the grounds that such forms of transport are dangerous, as evidenced by the large number of accidents involving them.1. Is this true or is it a typical piece of disinformation by the anti-European lobby?2. If the report is true, what is the justification for this proposal which threatens to undermine economic freedom and would really be only a further step towards a socialist bureaucracy?3. What action will the Commission take to prevent further outbreaks of dirigistic lunacy?Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission(23 September 1998)The Commission has absolutely no intention of introducing a ban on car advertising as erroneously reported in some German newspapers.In several Member States voluntary codes of conduct are applied which encourage advertising agencies and their customers, the car industry, to limit advertisements that could be considered to be linked to dangerous behaviour on the road. Various public discussions about the possibilities of applying such a voluntary code throughout Europe may have led to misunderstanding on the part of some journalists, particularly those who did not take the trouble to make enquiries to various voluntary organisations, public authorities and the Commission before writing their stories.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2561/98 by Christine ODDY to the Commission. Arms to Indonesia
Date: 1998-07-29
Institutions: European Parliament, ODDY
Subjects: Indonesia, Timor, arms trade, code of conduct, export licence, export restriction

C 182/12

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

28.6.1999

recent authorization of an alternative method to animal experiments issued by ECVAM and the prospect of
further validation studies being completed at an early date.

Can the Commission answer the following questions:

1. Given ECVAM’s special position within the JRC in Ispra, can the Commission indicate the way in which

guarantees can be given to ensure that ECVAM carries out its agreed tasks to the best possible effect?

2. Can it indicate the way in which ECVAM can, in the short term, increase the number of its staff to the level
required for it to fulfil its tasks, with particular regard to the recruitment procedure and timetable seen in
relation to the lengthy duration of validation studies and the need to attract suitably qualified scientists?

(1) OJ C 132, 28.4.1997, p. 27.

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(15 October 1998)

The European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) within the Joint Research Centre
(JRC) will continue to receive the support needed in order to conduct its research efficiently.

(Decision
the case in the 4th Framework Programme for Research and Development
As was
No 1110/94/EC) (1), alternative test methods will continue to be developed under the 5th Framework
Programme. That approach is included in the JRC’s specific programme, and also as part of the indirect
activities.

The Council common position of 12 February 1998 on the 5th Framework Programme for research stipulates,
in the first project ‘quality of life and management of resources for living beings’ that ‘as far as possible animal
experiments and tests on animals will have to be replaced by in-vitro methods or other, alternative methods.’

(1) OJ L 126, 18.5.1994.

(1999/C 182/015)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2561/98

by Christine Oddy (PSE) to the Commission

(29 July 1998)

Subject: Arms to Indonesia

Is the Commission aware that over the last year bombs, tanks, combat aircraft and machine guns have
continued to be exported to Indonesia?

In the light of recent events in East Timor, what steps will the Commission take to discourage the export of
weapons to Indonesia?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(17 September 1998)

The Commission has no direct information nor responsibility concerning arms exports. It has taken note with
satisfaction that most of the Member States, notably on the basis of the newly adopted code of conduct on
arms exports, have announced a restrictive military equipment licensing policy for exports to Indonesia.

The Commission intends to contribute in the appropriate fora, to encourage Member States to implement
rigorously the principles governing arms exports agreed in the code of conduct.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2584/98 by Karin RIIS-JØRGENSEN to the Commission. EU banana arrangements
Date: 1998-07-29
Institutions: European Parliament, RIIS-JOERGENSEN
Subjects: United States, World Trade Organisation, common organisation of markets, fourth Lomé Convention, tropical fruit

21.7.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 207/11

(1999/C 207/013)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2584/98

by Karin Riis-Jørgensen (ELDR) to the Commission

(29 July 1998)

Subject: EU banana arrangements

Has the USA indicated whether in its view the measures adopted by the Agriculture Ministers to counter the
WTO decision meet the requirements of the WTO decision?

How can the EU banana arrangements be reconciled with the Commission’s desire for free and liberal world
trade without trade restrictions, and is there not a danger that third countries can use the EU banana
arrangements as an object lesson/excuse for maintaining protectionist measures on their domestic markets?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(16 September 1998)

The United States have given some indication that it has some doubts about whether the revision of the
common organisation of the market in bananas will necessarily meet World trade organisation (WTO)
requirements.

The Commission believes that the revised banana regime is fully compatible with the legal requirements of the
WTO and the provisions of the IVth Lomé Convention.

(1999/C 207/014)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2605/98

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Airline timetables and S.A. Benz

Is the Commission aware of the latest piece of imaginative fiction published by the Belgian author S.A. Benz?

This novel, in a highly original style, purports to be an airline timetable. However, it is leading to some
confusion as passengers are mistaking it for the real timetable and in consequence arriving hours late at their
destinations.

Will the Commission ask the publishers either to cease and desist from distributing this publication or at least
to accompany it with the necessary disclaimer.

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(2 October 1998)

The Commission is not aware of the book to which the Honourable Member refers but is grateful to him for
drawing attention to such an original work.

Since the fictional nature of the book is apparent, the Commission does not share the concerns expressed by
the Honourable Member, nor is it considering any action.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1684/98 of 29 July 1998 on the issue of import licences for frozen thin skirt of bovine animals
Date: 1998-07-29
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: beef, frozen product, import licence

30. 7. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 212/47

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1684/98

of 29 July 1998

on the issue of import licences for frozen thin skirt of bovine animals

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,
Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 996/
97 of 3 June 1997 on the opening and administration of
an import tariff quota for frozen thin skirt of bovine
animals falling within CN code 0206 29 91 (1), as last
amended by Regulation (EC) No 1266/98 (2), and in
particular Article 8 (3) thereof,
Whereas Article 1 (3) (b) of Regulation (EC) No 996/97
fixes the amount of
frozen thin skirt which may be
imported on special terms in 1998/99 at 800 tonnes;
Whereas Article 8 (3) of Regulation (EC) No 996/97 lays
down that the quantities applied for may be reduced;
whereas the applications lodged relate to total quantities

which exceed the quantities available; whereas, under
these circumstances and taking care to ensure an equit-
able distribution of the available quantities, it is appro-
priate to reduce proportionally the quantities applied for,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

All applications for import licences made pursuant to
Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 996/97 are hereby met to
the extent of 0,53392 % of the quantity requested.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 30 July 1998.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member
States.

Done at Brussels, 29 July 1998.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 144, 4. 6. 1997, p. 6.
(2) OJ L 175, 19. 6. 1998, p. 9.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1675/98 of 29 July 1998 determining the extent to which applications lodged in July 1998 for import licences for certain poultrymeat sector products pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 509/97 can be accepted
Date: 1998-07-29
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: import licence, poultrymeat

30. 7. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 212/15

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1675/98

of 29 July 1998

determining the extent to which applications lodged in July 1998 for import
licences for certain poultrymeat sector products pursuant to Regulation (EC) No
509/97 can be accepted

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Whereas the surplus to be added to the quantity available
for the following period should be determined,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 509/
97 of 20 March 1997 laying down procedures for applying
in the poultrymeat sector the Interim Agreement on trade
and accompanying measures between the European
Community, the European Coal and Steel Community
and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one
part, and the Republic of Slovenia, of the other part (1), as
amended by Regulation (EC) No 1514/97 (2), and in
particular Article 4 (5) thereof,

Article 1

1. Applications for import licences for the period 1
July to 30 September 1998 submitted pursuant to Regula-
tion (EC) No 509/97 shall be met as referred to in Annex
I.

2. During the first 10 days of the period 1 October to
31 December 1998 applications may be lodged pursuant
to Regulation (EC) No 509/97 for import licences for the
total quantities as referred to in Annex II.

Whereas the applications for import licences lodged for
the third quarter of 1998 are for quantities less than the
quantities available and can therefore be met in full;

This Regulation shall enter into force on 30 July 1998.

Article 2

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member
States.

Done at Brussels, 29 July 1998.

For the Commission
Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 80, 21. 3. 1997, p. 3.
(2) OJ L 204, 31. 7. 1997, p. 16.

L 212/16

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

30. 7. 98

ANNEX I

Percentage of acceptance
of import licences submitted
for the period
1 July to 30 September 1998

100,00
90,91
100,00

Group No

80
90
100

ANNEX II

(tonnes)

Group No

Available quantities

80
90
100

1 320,00
275,00
972,40
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1673/98 of 29 July 1998 determining the extent to which applications lodged in July 1998 for import licences for certain poultrymeat products under the regime provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No 774/94 opening and providing for the administration of certain Community tariff quotas for poultrymeat and certain other agricultural products can be accepted
Date: 1998-07-29
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: import licence, poultrymeat, tariff quota

30. 7. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 212/11

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1673/98

of 29 July 1998

determining the extent to which applications lodged in July 1998 for import
licences for certain poultrymeat products under the regime provided for in
Council Regulation (EC) No 774/94 opening and providing for the administration
of certain Community tariff quotas for poultrymeat and certain other agricul-
tural products can be accepted

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1431/
94 of 22 June 1994, laying down detailed rules for the
application in the poultrymeat sector of
the import
arrangements provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No
774/94 opening and providing for the administration of
certain Community tariff quotas for poultrymeat and
certain other agricultural products (1), as last amended by
Regulation (EC) No 1514/97 (2), and in particular Article
4 (5) thereof,

Whereas the applications for import licences lodged for
the period 1 July to 30 September 1998 are greater than

the quantities available and must therefore be reduced by
a fixed percentage to ensure a fair distribution,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Applications for import licences for the period 1 July to
30 September 1998 submitted under Regulation (EC) No
1431/94 shall be met as referred to in the Annex.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 30 July 1998.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member
States.

Done at Brussels, 29 July 1998.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 156, 23. 6. 1994, p. 9.
(2) OJ L 204, 31. 7. 1997, p. 16.

L 212/12

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

30. 7. 98

ANNEX

Group No

Percentage of acceptance
of import certificate submitted
for the period
1 July to 30 September 1998

1

2

3

4

5

2,35

2,35

2,39

100,00

3,89