WRITTEN QUESTION E-0560/02 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission. Human rights in Burma.
Date: 2002-02-28
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Myanmar/Burma, Troika (EU), human rights, imprisonment, torture

26.9.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 229 E/105

It has come to the Commission’s attention that, since August 2000, Switzerland has granted visa
exemptions to foreign nationals holding a residence permit issued by a Member State, and it does not rule
out a reciprocal measure being taken in the medium term.

It should also be noted that existing law, and in particular the Common Consular Instructions (1), allows
Member States to issue visas to foreign nationals resident in Switzerland in ways which do not constitute
an excessive obstacle to travel.

(1) OJ L 239, 22.9.2000.

(2002/C 229 E/118)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0559/02

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Council

(4 March 2002)

Subject: Algeria and human rights

How will the Council ensure that the assessment of the human rights situation in Algeria and compliance
with Article 2 of the Association Agreement, when ratified, will become a separate agenda item at all
meetings held under the Agreement?

(2002/C 229 E/119)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0561/02

by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) and Michael Cashman (PSE) to the Council

Subject: Human rights in Algeria

(4 March 2002)

Would the Council outline how it intends to ensure that an assessment of the human rights situation in
Algeria, and an assessment of that country’s compliance with the human rights article of the new EU-
Algeria Association Agreement, will be a separate agenda item at all future meetings held under the
Association Agreement, and especially at all Association Council meetings?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-0559/02 and E-0561

(26 June 2002)

The Council, in accordance with the established practice in its political dialogues, and for as long as
necessary, will put questions concerning the respect for human rights on the agenda for the political
dialogue with Algeria, and on that for the Association Council.

(2002/C 229 E/120)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0560/02

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(28 February 2002)

Subject: Human rights in Burma

Has the Commission made representations to the Burmese Government about the detention and possible
torture of Dr Salai Tun Than at Insein prison in Rangoon? If it has not, does it intend to do so?

C 229 E/106

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

26.9.2002

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(19 March 2002)

The Commission will participate in a European Union Troika mission to Burma/Myanmar which is
currently under preparation.

On this occasion the Troika will have the opportunity to raise questions of concern, including human
rights issues and individual cases, with the Burmese Government.

(2002/C 229 E/121)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0563/02

by Concepció Ferrer (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(28 February 2002)

Subject: Study on the consequences of China’s accession to the WTO for the European textile industry

China’s accession to the WTO will provide a boost to the world economy. The Chinese Government
recently launched a trade offensive for South-East Asia aimed at reaping the full benefits from its
membership of the World Trade Organisation. Only a fortnight ago, China and India sought to establish
closer ties and explore possibilities for cooperation through a free-trade agreement. Talks have also begun
with Hong Kong with the same aim in mind.

Has the Commission carried out, or will it carry out, a study on the consequences of China’s accession to
the WTO for European undertakings, with particular reference to the textile industry?

Answer given by Mr Lamy on behalf of the Commission

(12 April 2002)

Quantifying precisely the overall impact of China’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on
the Community is extremely difficult because of the scope of the commitments made by China in the
context of her accession and the systemic changes that the accession will trigger within this country.

Chinese commitments constitute a very substantial market-opening package, covering both specific trade
barriers and systemic issues and ranging from tariff reductions, quotas phasing out, to the opening of the
services sector or the elimination of restrictions on foreign investment. It is in particular worth noting that
China’s trade regime will be significantly more liberal than most existing WTO members of a comparable
level of development.

China’s accession will therefore offer increased opportunities to Community firms in terms of both exports
and investment, and the package of Chinese commitments incorporate to a large extent the priorities of
the Community industry. General studies show that the overall gains are positive for the Community
[example: Ianchovichina, Elena, and Will Martin, Trade Liberalization in China’s Accession to the World
Trade Organization, Washington: World Bank, June 2001].

The actual
implementation by China of her WTO commitments will be closely monitored by the
Commission, in co-operation with all concerned actors on the European side. Implementation issues will
be raised both in bilateral contacts with the Chinese administration and in the framework of
the
‘Transitional Review Mechanism’ which has been specifically established in the WTO to monitor the first
ten years of China’s WTO membership.

One of the objectives of the Commission in the context of the WTO accession negotiations was also to
foster the integration of China within the global economy and within the region, in order to promote its
stability and its development. The Commission therefore is closely monitoring the current debate in Asia
regarding free trade area initiatives, which are referred to in the question of the Honourable Member, and
their adherence to the criteria set by WTO.