WRITTEN QUESTION E-2984/00 by Antonio Tajani (PPE-DE) to the Commission. The trial of the Iranian Jews found guilty of espionage.
Date: 2000-09-20
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Iran, government violence, religious discrimination, right to justice

C 136 E/148

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

8.5.2001

The mandate of the Eurosystem to safeguard price stability in the euro area implies that monetary policy
reacts to exchange rate developments only to the extent that they pose a threat to price stability. However,
the European Central Bank (ECB) can intervene in foreign exchange markets, as it did on 22 September
2000 jointly with other group of seven most industrialised countries (G7) central banks, in response to a
prolonged deviation of the euro exchange rate from economically-justified levels.

In a longer term perspective, the exchange rate is influenced by all economic policies and not only by
monetary policy. Fiscal and structural policy have an indirect impact as they affect the expectations of
economic agents. Structural reform improving the functioning of the labour market would raise the
expected rate of return and thus attract investment in the euro area.

The economic policy strategy of the Community is developed in the broad economic policy guidelines for
the Member States. It aims at policy actions that both safeguard stability and raise productive capacity in
the economy. The key components of this strategy are the stability-oriented monetary policy conducted by
the ECB and supported by rule-based fiscal discipline; an extensive programme of supply-side micro-
economic reforms in product markets, capital markets and labour markets; and a set of policies specifically
geared to promoting knowledge-based economic development.

The Commission considers that the prompt implementation of the strategy set out in the broad economic
policy guidelines would improve the performance of the euro area economy and thus support the euro in
the medium term.

(2001/C 136 E/172)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2984/00

by Antonio Tajani (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(20 September 2000)

Subject: The trial of the Iranian Jews found guilty of espionage

As the court hearing the appeal of the ten Iranian Jews found guilty two months ago of spying for Israel
and the United States is due to pass sentence on 20 September 2000, what action does the Commission
intend to take to ensure that the standards of justice and human rights recognised by the international
community are upheld?

How will the Commission, in line with the measures it has already taken, seek to ensure that the Iranian
authorities(cid:146) actions comply with the principles that govern the conduct of civil nations and that no
considerations other than the dictates of justice prevail?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(12 October 2000)

The Commission follows with deep concern the issue of human rights in Iran. Questions regarding human
rights, including the trial in Shiraz, feature prominently in the comprehensive dialogue between the Union
and Iran.

On the specific situation of the 13 Iranian Jews tried in Shiraz on charges of espionage, a number of
demarches have been made by the European Union as well as by individual Member States since the
arrests in April 1999. In these endeavours, the Union has stressed the importance of a free and fair trial, its
disappointment at the lack of sufficient defence representation and its concern that the trial was not open
to observers. Following the verdict on 1 July 2000, the Union urged the court of appeal to reduce or
retract the sentences given to ten of the defendants. The decision by the appeal court on 21 September
2000, to reduce the sentences was a welcome step. We remain concerned, however, about the lack of
transparency in the judicial proceedings and regret that the sentences were not reduced more drastically or
simply set aside. The Commission remains mindful of the fate of those convicted and will continue to
follow the matter closely.

8.5.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 136 E/149

the recent
The political situation in Iran remains ambiguous. However, positive developments at
Parliamentary election and Iran(cid:146)s growing sensitivity to international concerns, open new possibilities to
develop a constructive dialogue on human rights issues with the Iranian Government. The Commission
will seize every opportunity to support this positive evolution.

(2001/C 136 E/173)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2988/00

by Lousewies van der Laan (ELDR) to the Commission

(20 September 2000)

Subject: Problems with introducing the euro

The political party D66 is concerned at the warning from Europe(cid:146)s largest retail concerns, in an open letter
to the European Ministers of Finance, that financial transactions will come to a standstill when the euro is
introduced in 2002. The retail trade bases this warning on research by Insead and the Koblenz School of
Management. To avoid problems when the euro is introduced, industry wants consumers to be able to
change money into euros before 1 January 2002. At the end of 2001 all Dutch consumers will be given a
(cid:145)kit(cid:146) containing samples of all euro coins.

Does the Commission agree that chaos when the euro is introduced could seriously undermine public
support for the European currency?

Why is it that consumers cannot obtain euro banknotes before the euro is introduced?

Does the Commission agree that issuing a symbolic amount of coins for promotional purposes, for
example in the Netherlands, is no solution to the risk of monetary transactions coming to a standstill on
1 January 2002?

Does the Commission agree that private individuals should have access not only to coins but also to
banknotes prior to 1 January 2002 so that the introduction proceeds smoothly?

Does the Commission intend to compile a list of best practices from the initiatives which the Member
States are currently taking independently of each other?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(17 November 2000)

The introduction of
the euro will make European integration a daily reality for over 300 million
Europeans. Practical preparations for its introduction are therefore a priority of the highest order for the
Commission, as well as for the Member States. In order to smooth the way for transition to the new
currency, the Commission has produced a recommendation on measures to facilitate the preparation of
economic operators for the changeover to the euro, which it adopted on 11 October 2000 (1).

At the meeting of Ecofin Ministers in Versailles, the European Central Bank and the majority of Member
States agreed that early introduction of banknotes might lead to confusion and give consumers the idea
that the date of introduction had been brought forward.

In addition to the distribution of free sets to the public, the Netherlands, like the other Member States, is
producing larger sets for sale. However, regardless of the scale of advance distribution of the euro, it will
continue to be possible to carry out transactions in national currencies (notes and coins) up until the end
of the period of dual circulation, thereby ruling out any risk of financial transactions coming to a standstill.

It is possible to ensure that small denominations are widely available, hence reducing the need for change,
without resorting to advance distribution, for example by stocking cash dispensers, as suggested in the
Commission recommendation.