WRITTEN QUESTION E-0532/02 by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Cession of territory by Vietnam to China.
Date: 2002-02-25
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: China, Viet Nam, frontier region, ratification of an agreement

C 92 E/14

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

17.4.2003

(cid:1) the development and modernisation of working relations and processes, with emphasis on the

stimulation of a social dialogue;

(cid:1) giving priority to education and training programmes aimed at vulnerable social groups, in respect of

employment and work retraining;

(cid:1) the promotion of programmes in the field of work inspection, professional education and training,

international migration of workers and frontier development.

It should be noted that core labour standards are part of the human rights clause which forms part of
bilateral co-operation agreements. In its Communication on The European Union’s Role in Promoting
Human Rights and Democratisation, (2)
the political dialogue
discussing with partner countries how ratification of the fundamental human rights instruments and other
rights-based international agreements (in particular ILO conventions) and their effective implementation
could be pursued. The Commission believes that respect for social rights and core labour standards
contribute to durable and equitable social and economic development.

the Commission proposed as part of

In terms of
funding, the Commission communication on core labour standards suggested increased
funding from bilateral sources and ILO technical assistance programmes for the promotion of core labour
standards. Funding has been allocated under the European initiative for Democracy and Human Rights
(Chapter B7-7 of the EU budget) for projects tackling the issue of trafficking, child labour and slavery. Such
support complements the assistance channelled through country-specific programmes,
in which social
development and labour standards are integral elements.

(1) COM(2001) 416 final.
(2) COM(2001) 252 final.

(2003/C 92 E/016)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0532/02

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

(25 February 2002)

Subject: Cession of territory by Vietnam to China

Can the Commission confirm that the Government of Vietnam has ceded approximately 800 km2 of
territory to China as a result of secret negotiations between the Vietnamese and Chinese Communist
Parties?

What is the background to this cession, and how many Vietnamese nationals are being compelled to move
or to change their nationality?

Is this a legal cession, approved by parliaments, or has it been performed secretly, and thus illegally?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(27 March 2002)

As announced by the parties concerned, the Governments of China and Vietnam signed the ‘Treaty
between the People’s Republic of China and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Land Boundary’ in Hanoi
on 30 December 1999.

The Treaty was ratified by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in China on 29 April
2000 and by the National Assembly of Vietnam during its 7th session on 9 June 2000. On 6 July 2000,
the two countries exchanged instruments of ratification in Beijing on 6 July 2000, when the Treaty entered
into force.

17.4.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 92 E/15

While the border alignment appears to concern several hundred square kilometres in the provinces of Ha
Giang and Lang Son, details have not yet been made public. In these remote areas, the population speaks
both the Vietnamese and Chinese languages. According to the information received so far, the people
continue to live in their villages and no forced relocation is foreseen.

(2003/C 92 E/017)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0543/02

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(27 February 2002)

Subject: Death sentence in Khartoum (Sudan)

Human Rights Watch, has taken up the case of Abok Alfa Akok, an 18-year old Christian woman
sentenced to death by stoning by a criminal court in southern Darfur because she was pregnant after extra-
marital sex, although she stated during the trial that she had been raped. Human Rights Watch has pointed
out that it is unlawful for the Sharia to be applied by a criminal court and that the Sudanese authorities
have stated on numerous occasions that Sharia law would never be applied to Christians.

1.

In the light of the above, can the Commission say whether it is aware of these facts?

2.
Are there any economic cooperation relations with Sudan and, if so, do they take account of the
tragic situation of some of the population and the discrimination they are suffering solely on racial and
religious grounds?

3.
Does the Commission not consider that it should intervene, through its President, and urge the
Sudanese government to restore the observance of human rights in a country which is also one of those
with a significant Islamic fundamentalist presence within its institutions?

4.
In a period in which the fight against terrorism and fundamentalisms of all kinds appears to have
become the central focus of political action by many governments, is it not appropriate to revise the
fundamental rights a
criteria and substance of EU foreign policy in order to make observance of
precondition for the establishment of diplomatic relations with non-member countries?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(9 April 2002)

The Commission through its Delegation in Sudan has been active on this issue and contacts have

1.
been taken with the Sudanese authorities.

2.
Sudan is a party to the Lomé Conventions and the Cotonou Agreement. However, due to the
situation in the country, development finance co-operation with Sudan could not be implemented since
March 1990. In view of the development of a dialogue to restore peace in Sudan a conditional resumption
of cooperation could be an option.

3.
It is clear that the international community’s concern on this case has been influential. The Court of
appeal in Southern Darfur overturned the sentence of death by stoning and sent the case back to the lower
criminal court in Nyala for new sentencing where Ms Akok was given 75 lashes. However, Ms Akok’s
lawyer has launched an appeal to the High Court on the grounds that the sentence was given and
immediately executed, thus making it impossible for Ms Akok to seek legal advice and preventing her from
exercising any right of appeal.

The Commission, together with the Member States, is presently involved in a political dialogue with Sudan
and is closely monitoring the situation with respect to human rights. A Union Troïka has held talks with
the Sudanese Government in December 2001 and agreed commitments for 2002 in areas of human rights,
democratisation, rule of law and the peace process.