WRITTEN QUESTION E-2037/01 by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Military operations in West Papua.
Date: 2001-07-13
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Indonesia, Irian Jaya, government violence, human rights

18.4.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 93 E/51

There are no plans to produce similar material for other target groups, such as the elderly, and to
distribute them in the United Kingdom: these groups were targeted in other projects submitted either in
1999 or in 2000 in the framework of the second and third calls for proposals on information and
communication initiatives aiming at specific audiences about the euro (1). Most 1999 projects have come
to an end, whereas the 2000 projects are now in an implementation phase. No new initiatives are to be
expected until 2002, as no new calls for proposals are planned.

(1) OJ C 212, 25.7.2000.

(2002/C 93 E/065)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2036/01

by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Human rights situation in Vietnam

(13 July 2001)

Will the Commission ask the Vietnamese Government to clarify what has happened to the Catholic Priest
Nguyen Van Ly who in May, after calling for greater freedom of religion in Vietnam, was arrested and
seriously assaulted?

Will the Commission ask its delegation in Vietnam to visit this priest, who is apparently seriously ill, in
prison and report to the Commission and Parliament on the visit?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(5 September 2001)

Father Ly was arrested on 17 May 2001 and is understood to remain under arrest in a Military hospital
near Hue.

The Delegation of the Commission in Hanoi, together with the diplomatic missions to Vietnam of the
Member States, follows closely matters of concern in the field of human rights and participates in all
actions to convey the Union’s concern to the Vietnamese authorities. The Commission will continue to
raise particular issues and individual cases of concern in the course of these contacts.

In regard to the case of Father Ly, attention is drawn to the remarks of the member of the Commission
responsible for External Relations in the Parliament debate on religious freedom in Vietnam on 5 July
2001.

(2002/C 93 E/066)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2037/01

by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(13 July 2001)

Subject: Military operations in West Papua

Is the Commission aware that the Indonesian police and security forces are carrying out operations with
increasing frequency in the Indonesian province of West Papua (Irian Jaya), including in the regency of
Manokwari?

Is the Commission aware that during a conflict between local residents and a logging company, in which
Indonesian security forces and police intervened, at least four people were killed in Nabire and that since
then yet more Papuans have died in circumstances which have not been clarified?

How will the Commission make clear to the Indonesian Government its disapproval of these military
actions and human rights violations,
inter alia because the military actions are contrary to President
Wahid’s promise to engage in political dialogue over West Papua?

C 93 E/52

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.4.2002

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(5 September 2001)

The Commission is informed, through both its own sources and media reports about the ongoing conflict
in Irian Jaya/West Papua, and especially about the operations of security forces in this Indonesian province.

The problems of violent regional unrest and structural economic and social problems are discussed
frequently with the Indonesian Government, at all appropriate occasions and at various levels. In parallel,
the Commission maintains contacts with representatives of the local population in Irian Jaya/West Papua.

It is to be hoped that the Indonesian Parliament will shortly consider proposals for a substantial autonomy
for the province. In the meanwhile, the Commission intends to focus its 2002-2004 work programme for
including Irian Jaya/West Papua, covering health,
development assistance on a number of provinces,
education and institutional strengthening.

(2002/C 93 E/067)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2039/01

by Freddy Blak (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 July 2001)

Subject: Entitlements for cohabiting EU staff

There is still discrimination against some groups of EU staff. Those not living in a heterosexual marriage
are denied access to a number of fringe benefits. This is true whether they have been cohabiting for a
number of years or live in a registered partnership.

Some EU institutions have however offered the opportunity for cohabitants to register their relationship
with the institution. In some cases this entitles their partners to individual fringe benefits such as language
courses.

Can the Commission answer the following:

1. How many EU employees have registered their cohabitant partners with the various EU institutions?

2. What entitlements have the various EU institutions given such couples?

3. At what cost?

4. Have there been any cases of abuse?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(17 October 2001)

1.
At present, 148 officials and other Servants of the European Communities have registered their
cohabitant partner with the Commission. The Commission naturally does not retain figures relating to the
other EU Institutions.

2.
On 9 July 1996, the Commission adopted a memorandum on staff arrangements that recognises
cohabitation by heterosexual and by homosexual partners, and grants cohabiters access to certain
administrative facilities.

In order to benefit from the latter, the official or other Servant concerned will be required to complete a
sworn statement of cohabitation and furnish documentary evidence (in particular a certificate of residence)
that they have cohabited for a period of not less than six months. The Commission will then issue a
cohabitation certificate.