WRITTEN QUESTION P-1641/02 by Emmanouil Bakopoulos (GUE/NGL) to the Council. Deterioration of Indo-Pakistani relations.
Date: 2002-06-03
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: India, Pakistan, common foreign and security policy, international affairs, international security, nuclear weapon, terrorism, the EU's international role, war

C 52 E/80

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

6.3.2003

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(11 July 2002)

The Commission is aware of press reports regarding an explosion at the end of April 2002, in a Syrian
arms factory located near Homs. The same press reports quote Western intelligence services stating that
the weapons complex in question was not a missile facility.

The Commission would like to suggest that the question regarding Syria’s membership in the Security
Council be redirected to the Council.

the objectives

to work for the
The Commission reiterates that a dialogue on human rights is an effective tool
implementation of
laid down in the Barcelona Declaration (adopted on 27 and
28 November 1995). In this respect the Commission would like to refer to the latest round of association
negotiations with Syria where substantial progress was made on the political chapter; in that context, the
Commission took the opportunity of again clarifying the Union’s approach to human rights issues and the
central role they play in the Association Agreement.

(2003/C 52 E/090)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1568/02

by Lucio Manisco (GUE/NGL) to the Council

(28 May 2002)

Subject: The EU and the risk of war between India and Pakistan

The extremely serious developments of recent days would appear to point towards the possibility of an
all-out war between India and Pakistan, which would have a disastrous effect on the entire region given
that both countries have nuclear weapons. Would the Council not agree that it should take urgent
diplomatic action, using all the means at its disposal, including a mission by High Representative Javier
Solana, to avert such a tragedy?

(2003/C 52 E/091)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1641/02

by Emmanouil Bakopoulos (GUE/NGL) to the Council

Subject: Deterioration of Indo-Pakistani relations

(3 June 2002)

In view of the recent deterioration in Indo-Pakistani relations, which could pose a significant threat to the
people of the region and to the region’s political and strategic stability in particular, will the Council,
through the High Representative for the CFSP, take the lead in attempting to defuse the tension and
re-establish constructive dialogue between the two countries?

Joint answer
to Written Questions P-1568/02 and P-1641/02

(5 November 2002)

1.
The Council shares the Honourable MEPs’ preoccupation over the state of Indo-Pakistani relations,
and in particular over the continuing military stand-off at the Line of Control (LoC) over the past few
months. The Council also agrees that an all-out war between the two countries would have disastrous
effects on the entire region and beyond.

2.
The European Council in Seville on 21 and 22 June 2002 discussed the tensions between India and
Pakistan and issued a declaration, calling on Pakistan to take further concrete action to stop infiltration
across the Line of Control and to prevent terrorist groups from operating from territory under its control.
The European Council encouraged India to be ready to respond with further de-escalatory steps, and

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Official Journal of the European Union

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stressed the importance of free, fair and inclusive elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The European Council
also confirmed the EU’s commitment to work with India and Pakistan and with others in the international
community, seeking for possible confidence-building measures in order to defuse the immediate crisis, and
to continue to encourage both countries to achieve a lasting solution through bilateral dialogue between
them.

3.
The Council has discussed the evolution of the situation on several occasions, and most recently at
the GACs on 10 and 17 June 2002. Several high-level personalities, including UK Secretary of State for
Foreign Affairs, Mr Straw, and Commissioner Patten, have recently visited the region. Others have
maintained regular telephone contacts with the Indian and Pakistani leadership. The EU has also raised the
issue in various high-level political dialogue meetings including with the US, Russia, Japan, and other G8
partners in order to contribute to a coordinated international effort.

Finally, the Council has in public statements repeatedly condemned the terrorist attacks in the region, and
urged both sides to resume a dialogue with a view to a negotiated settlement of all contentious issues.

4.
The Council welcomes the initial steps which both countries have taken recently to defuse the crisis.
These steps have reduced the risk of an all-out war. The Council in particular welcomes the initial steps
taken by Pakistan to clamp down on cross-border terrorism, and the de-escalatory measures announced by
India in response.

In order

5.
the
EU High Representative for CFSP, held discussions with the Indian and Pakistani governments in
New Delhi and Islamabad on 26 and 27 July 2002.

solution to the

to contribute

conflict, Mr

Solana,

lasting

to a

Javier

(2003/C 52 E/092)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1582/02

by Michael Cashman (PSE) to the Commission

(28 May 2002)

Subject: EU Association Agreements

Could the Commission give full details of how it scrutinises the application or non-application of clauses
of the EU Association Agreements with non-EU countries? Does the Commission currently systematically
audit these Agreements to ensure that all criteria and obligations are being fulfilled by both partners? If not,
what steps is the Commission taking to ensure that this process of auditing does occur?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(2 July 2002)

Normally Union Association Agreements with third countries set out the principles which underpin the
partnership, notably respect
for democratic principles and human rights; provide a framework for
cooperation over a wide range of civil activities; and contain specific provisions on trade, the establishment
of and cooperation with companies by both partners, capital movements and the protection of intellectual
property.

The Union, and particularly the Commission, uses the meetings of the bodies established under the
Agreements (of Association or Cooperation) to review the situation in all these areas. More generally, the
Union’s institutions and the Member States, who are parties to the Agreements in their own right,
continually assess the progress achieved by our partners.

The Union bases itself on information obtained from its delegations and embassies on the spot, and
through contacts with and information provided by the government, United Nations bodies, civil society,
non-governmental organisations and other interested and informed organisations.