WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3320/98 by Katerina DASKALAKI to the Commission. Conversion of the monastery of Aghios Makarios in Cyprus into a casino
Date: 1998-11-10
Institutions: DASKALAKI, European Parliament
Subjects: Cyprus, Türkiye, cultural heritage, diplomatic relations, gaming establishment, heritage protection, religious institution, the EU's international role

C 142/120

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

21.5.1999

If Belgium failed to conform to this reasoned opinion, the Commission might have to bring the matter
before the Court of Justice for a ruling on whether Belgium has failed to meet its obligations.

Lastly, it should be pointed out that, under the rules regarding publicity about infringement proceedings,
the details of these proceedings are confidential. With regard to any comments made by a Member State in
the framework of such proceedings, it is for the authorities of that State to decide whether or not the public
should be allowed access to the comments.

(1)

IP/98-367, 7.7.1998.

(1999/C 142/150)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3320/98

by Katerina Daskalaki (UPE) to the Commission

(10 November 1998)

Subject: Conversion of the monastery of Aghios Makarios in Cyprus into a casino

It has recently been reported in the European press (’L’Alsace’ newspaper of 17.10.1998) that the
Armenian monastery of Aghios Makarios in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus is in danger of being
completely destroyed and converted into a casino. The same publication refers to a confidential draft
report on this subject examined by the Council of Europe and states that this extremely important Christian
monument dating from the 11th century has been subject to constant vandalism since the Turkish invasion
of Cyprus.

In its reply of 23.4.1998 to Question E-0968/97 (1) by Katerina Daskalaki, the Commission stated that ‘it is
aware of the facts’ and that it ‘will also endeavour to address the issue in its discussions with the Turkish
authorities’. Will the Commission say once more whether it has made representations to Turkey on this
matter and, if not, what measures it intends to take before it is too late, given that it is presently
endeavouring to find means of circumventing objections to European funding for the invader of Cyprus,
thus encouraging further arbitrary actions by Turkey?

(1) OJ C 323, 21.10.1998, p. 100.

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

(15 December 1998)

Since the Turkish government decided to suspend all political dialogue with the Union after the
Luxembourg European Council, relations between the Community and Turkey have not been such that
the Commission could raise the issue of the monastery of Aghios Makarios with the Turkish authorities.
The Commission very much regrets the lack of contact with civil society in northern Cyprus in recent
months. The current situation precludes Commission representations in defence of the cultural heritage.

(1999/C 142/151)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3323/98

by Kirsi Piha (PPE) to the Commission

(10 November 1998)

Subject: Effects of the Russian crisis on Estonia

The deepening economic and political crisis in Russia has brought about greater economic problems than
predicted in Estonia, which may have long-term effects, inter alia, on the country’s EU membership
negotiations. One of Estonia’s largest banks has been placed under supervision by the central bank owing
to a risk of bankruptcy, and the sectors in Russia which are most dependent on exports, such as agriculture
and the foodstuffs industry, are in particularly serious difficulties.