WRITTEN QUESTION E-0483/01 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Illegal detention of a Greek Cypriot by the Turkish Cypriot authorities.
Date: 2001-02-21
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Cyprus, Greece, Türkiye, United Kingdom, arrest, human rights, illegal restraint, terrorism

C 187 E/226

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.7.2001

(2001/C 187 E/253)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0483/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(21 February 2001)

Subject: Illegal detention of a Greek Cypriot by the Turkish Cypriot authorities

On 13 December 2000, a group of Turkish Cypriots kidnapped Mr Panikos Tsiakourmas whilst he was on
British military base property and removed him by force to the territory occupied by Turkey, where they
abandoned him,
(cid:145)Within moments(cid:146) Turkish
Cypriot police officers(cid:146) appeared and arrested him for possession of drugs.

leaving with him one-and-a-half kilos of Indian cannabis.

Since then, Mr Panikos Tsiakourmas has been held by the illegal Turkish Cypriot authorities under
inhuman conditions and without medical care despite the fact that he suffers from diabetes.

Given that Mr Tsiakourmas has no criminal record and, according to a statement by the police authorities
on the British bases there is not a shred of evidence to suggest that he is involved with drugs it is clear that
his kidnapping was an act of terrorism and his imprisonment by the illegal Turkish Cypriot authorities
amounts to hostage taking.

What action will the Commission take with a view to securing the immediate and unconditional release of
Mr Tsiakourmas? What pressure will it bring to bear on Turkey which is solely responsible for actions by
the illegal occupying authorities in Cyprus performed entirely on its orders?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(27 March 2001)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question P-0045/01 by
Mr Zacharakis (1).

(1) See p. 168.

(2001/C 187 E/254)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0505/01

by Gerard Collins (UEN) to the Commission

(14 February 2001)

Subject: Free movement of workers

The European Federation of Geologists (EFG) is a federation comprising 20 national geological associations
in Europe, including those from all of the Member States within the European Union.

Geological science is a rapidly changing discipline. The activity of geoscientists impinges in an ever-
increasing way upon the safety of the public. Educational and training provisions need to adapt to respond
to those changes. For its part, a professional qualifying body in geoscience needs to be vigilant in assuring
qualifying standards in its own field. At European level, the EFG is that body.

Pursuant to Directive 89/48/EEC (1) and Directive 92/51/EEC (2), the EFG has adopted a system of multi-
lateral recognition between affiliated geological associations. Candidates who meet the requirements are
awarded the professional title of European Geologist (EurGeol). Award of the designation signals the
preparedness of the EFG to guarantee the qualifications of those who practise at the highest levels in all
areas of the geosciences. Holders of the title must comply with the EFG(cid:146)s Code of Professional Conduct.