WRITTEN QUESTION E-2233/02 by Sebastiano Musumeci (UEN) to the Commission. Political crisis in Madagascar.
Date: 2002-07-23
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU relations, Madagascar, conflict prevention, political crisis, political situation

6.3.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 52 E/141

Seafarers (1995). Fraudulent practices involving the certification process were also detected. These practices
were attributed to administrative inability or unwillingness to effectively apply existing regulations.

Does the European Commission feel that it has a responsibility to help stamp out these practices, and what
initiatives has it taken in the light of the report’s findings?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(8 October 2002)

In the recent meeting in Kananaskis (26 and 27 June 2002, Canada), the leaders of the Group of eight
most industrialised countries and the Union expressed their support for the work which is currently being
done at IMO (International Maritime Organisation) level and in particular the amendments to the SOLAS
(Safety Of Life At Sea) Convention for ship and port facility security. As soon as these amendments are
finalised by the IMO, the Commission has the intention of proposing the inclusion of the IMO rules into
the body of Community legislation. Moreover, the Commission will publish a communication on the
development of rules in the field of maritime security before the end of 2002.

The Commission supports and stimulates the work of the ILO (International Labour Organisation) on
better identification of seafarers. Again, as for the IMO, when agreement will be reached at
the
international level, it shall propose a Community wide enforcement legislation.

The Commission also supports the objective of ensuring security for seagoing containers. In that respect it
is actually involved in the technical work that is being carried out by the WCO (World Customs
Organisation). Once more,
internationally agreed rules shall be enforced at
Community level.

the implementation of

Linked to general concerns on security, piracy poses similar challenges. The Commission is convinced that
the measures at present designed at IMO level on maritime security will contribute equally to fighting
piracy attacks.

As regards the issue of fraudulent practices associated with certificates of competency and endorsements,
the Commission is deeply concerned about the alarming results of the research study commissioned by the
IMO, which it co-financed. It supports all efforts, and notably the Port State Control Authority on the
framework of the Paris Memorandum of understanding, to reduce unlawful practices, due to the obvious
safety concerns that arise as a result of misconduct.

The Commission continues to monitor that Directive 2001/25/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of
4 April 2001 on the minimum level of training of seafarers (1), transposing into Community law the
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers of 1995,
is thoroughly transposed into national legislation and enforced satisfactory in the Member States.

(1) OJ L 136, 18.5.2001.

(2003/C 52 E/161)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2233/02

by Sebastiano Musumeci (UEN) to the Commission

(23 July 2002)

Subject: Political crisis in Madagascar

Following the general election of 16 December 2001 and the final ruling of the High Constitutional Court
on 29 April 2002, Marc Ravalomanana has been elected President of Madagascar.

in spite of

However,
signed on 18 April 2002 by the new president,
Mr Ravalomanana, and the outgoing president, Didier Ratsiraka, which provided for the formation of a
transitional government of reconciliation until the recount of the votes cast on 16 December 2001,
Mr Ratsiraka is refusing to recognise the court ruling.

the Dakar Agreement,

C 52 E/142

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

6.3.2003

The outgoing president has taken refuge in the north of the country, his traditional stronghold, and is
ready to put up armed resistance to a likely attack by the government forces of President Ravalomanana,
which have decided to put an end to Mr Ratsiraka’s occupation of the northern part of the island.

In the event of a war, the chief victims would inevitably be defenceless civilians.

Can the Commission therefore say whether and how the European Union could take action to help
peacefully resolve the political and military crisis in Madagascar,
thereby preventing a civil war of
unimaginable consequences?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(26 August 2002)

The Commission wishes to remind the recent positive outcome of the crisis in Madagascar, which ended
with Mr Marc Ravalomanana launching a reconciliation process in the country and announcing early
legislative elections, and the international community recognising him as President of Madagascar.

The Commission welcomes the solution of the crisis and hopes that the reconciliation process will lead to
peace and stability for the people of Madagascar.

The Commission deplores the dramatic impact of
the past political crisis on the population. The
Commission has, during the seven months long crisis, been committed to a solution that is respectful of
civilian peace and of the interests of the people of Madagascar. To this end, the Commission has supported
all the mediation efforts to encourage national conciliation.

Furthermore, during this period, the Commission has taken several measures to alleviate the effects of the
protracted crisis on the population, such as the rehabilitation of roads and the re-establishment of free
movement of goods and persons, ensuring the supply of food and medicine.

The Commission is prepared to offer political and technical support for national reconciliation and for a
to contribute to
lasting solution to the crisis, and is ready,
Madagascar’s efforts to restore the economic and social situation of the country.

in co-ordination with other donors,

(2003/C 52 E/162)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2255/02

by Carlos Bautista Ojeda (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

Subject: Support for cork production in the EU

(17 July 2002)

The production of cork is a lengthy and laborious process, from the time of its formation in cork-oak
groves to the time the season’s harvest is processed and reaches the final consumer. Cork is one of the
products that features in Annex I of the Treaty on European Union in the list referred to in Article 32 of
the Treaty, and Spain and Portugal are the two main cork producers in the EU. The majority of the cork
produced in those countries is intended for the agri-foodstuffs industry (manufacture of bottle corks, etc.).
Given the circumstances, there is no denying the important environmental, economic and social role that
cork plays in the regions in which it is produced.

Can the Commission indicate how Community policy on cork currently operates, both from the point of
view of the markets and from that of rural and forestry development? Does it intend to enhance and if
need be revise this policy in order to safeguard the future of the cork industry in the EU? Is the
Commission aware that unless more aid is set aside for it this industry may cease to exist?