WRITTEN QUESTION E-0348/02 by Nelly Maes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Destruction by Israel of EU investments in Palestinian territory.
Date: 2002-02-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing, EU relations, Israel, Palestine, economic situation, military intervention

14.11.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 277 E/35

The Commission is aware that Malta’s special geographical situation makes it a particularly important place
of transit for birds migrating between Europe and North Africa.

In the course of the accession negotiations the Commission asked Malta for additional information on the
implementation of the ‘Habitats Directive’, and will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that it is
actually applied. It has also asked Malta to give detailed information on its timetable for the transposition
and implementation of the Directive on the conservation. It is following developments in this area closely.

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.
(2) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.

(2002/C 277 E/035)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0322/02

by John Purvis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(12 February 2002)

Subject: Preparations for the European Council meeting in Barcelona

The 2000 Lisbon European Council asked ‘the Council and the Commission to report by the end of 2000
on the ongoing review of EIB and EIF financial instruments in order to redirect funding towards support
for business start-ups, high-tech firms and micro-enterprises, as well as other risk-capital
initiatives
proposed by the EIB’. Did it so report?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(25 March 2002)

Yes, the Commission prepared together with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European
Investment Fund (EIF) a Commission communication called ‘Review of specific Community financial
instruments for SMEs’ (1). The Ecofin Council of 7 November 2000 welcomed this communication.

(1) COM(2000) 653 final.

(2002/C 277 E/036)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0348/02

by Nelly Maes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(12 February 2002)

Subject: Destruction by Israel of EU investments in Palestinian territory

European investments to the value of 17 million euro have already been destroyed by Israeli attacks on
Palestinian territory. The absolute limits of pure cynicism are reached with the unremitting accusation by
the Israel government against the Palestinian Authority and Yasser Arafat that they are not moving
repressively enough against Hamas and Jihad terrorists. It is precisely the Israelis who are deliberately
destroying all the Palestinians’ means of deploying repressive and preventive measures for the purpose of
reining in violence and terrorism.

Can the Commission state if it will support moves to demand that Israel refund the monies paid?

The Council should do more than just ask Israel to explain how destroying civilian infrastructures can help
to combat terrorism. The Council must impose damages so as to sent a clear political signal to Sharon that
he is making a strategic miscalculation.

C 277 E/36

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

14.11.2002

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(8 April 2002)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question E-0284/02 by
Mrs Morgan (1).

The Commission views the destruction of basic infrastructure in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, much of
which has been financed by the Community and Member States as counterproductive in the effort to
achieve peace. It sets back efforts to ensure sustained social and economic development in the region,
which is in the interests of both parties; and this plays into the hands of extremists who are only too
willing to exploit a growing resentment among certain sectors of Palestinian population.

Regarding claims for compensation, property and equipment funded by the Community budget belongs to
the beneficiary. Therefore, in strict legal terms, it would be up to the beneficiary (which is in most cases
the Palestinian Authority) to take legal recourse.

On the political level, in accordance with the General Affairs Council conclusions, the Union has reserved
the right to claim reparation in the appropriate fora.

(1) See page 29.

(2002/C 277 E/037)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0364/02

by Eurig Wyn (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(14 February 2002)

Subject: Human rights issues in Vietnam

People of faith in Vietnam are suffering oppression by State authorities. Pastor Nguyen Hong Quang, who
chairs the Administrative Committee of the Vietnamese Evangelical Mennonite denomination and runs
many projects to help the poor and destitute, has been subjected to frequent intimidation and persecution.
This is an attempt by the State authorities to dissuade the Pastor and his groups from conducting both
religious and social activities.

In October 2001 Pastor Quang was given an ultimatum to cease his church activities out of his home/
centre in Binh Khanh ward of Ho Chi Minh City.

Will the Commission agree that in light of this, Article 18 of the Universal Declaration Of Human Rights
And The International Covenant On Civil And Political Rights, giving citizens the right to enjoy the basic
rights of human freedom of religion, expression and association are not being respected?

Will the Commission therefore agree that steps should be taken to ensure that every Vietnamese citizen
can expect to enjoy these basic human rights?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(12 March 2002)

The Commission Delegation in Hanoi, together with the Diplomatic Missions of the Member States,
follows the human rights situation in Vietnam closely.