WRITTEN QUESTION E-3010/02 by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission. Humanitarian crisis, Northern Uganda.
Date: 2002-10-23
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: ECHO, EU relations, Uganda, aid policy, civil war, humanitarian aid, hunger

7.11.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 268 E/25

Answer given by Mr Lamy on behalf of the Commission

(23 December 2002)

The Commission shares the Honourable Members’ concerns about distortions of competition caused by
Russia’s and Ukraine’s restrictions on exports of non-ferrous scrap metal.

Initially set at 10 % in 1999, the Russian tax on exports of ferrous metals has been gradually raised and
now stands at 50 %. The dissuasive level of this tax inevitably brought about a sharp reduction in Russian
exports of scrap metal, thus refuting the budgetary argument put forward by the Russian authorities to
justify the tax. As a result, Russian producers can get their secondary raw materials on the domestic
market at prices well below the international market price. This advantage means that their semi-finished
and finished products are very competitive on third-country markets.

The issue of Russian export taxes is a key point on the agenda of the bilateral trade discussions and was
broached at the recent EU-Russia Cooperation Committee meeting in Brussels on 23 October. Elimination
of those taxes is one of the Community’s demands in the negotiations for Russia’s accession to the WTO.

A similar situation obtains for Ukraine. Since August 2000 it has banned exports of non-ferrous scrap
metal, ostensibly to combat criminal activity in its scrap metal sector.

The Commission considers that this Ukrainian measure, which is not accompanied by equivalent domestic
measures, is a flagrant breach of the provisions of the bilateral Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

In both cases,
undertakings made and, where appropriate, with the dispute settlement procedures set out
partnership and cooperation agreements.

the Commission will defend Community interests as part of compliance with the
in the

At this stage it cannot therefore go along with the suggestion by some operators that the Community
should unilaterally impose additional customs duties over and above the existing 6 % tariff on imports of
raw aluminium originating in Russia and Ukraine.

(2003/C 268 E/029)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3010/02

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(23 October 2002)

Subject: Humanitarian crisis, Northern Uganda

In the Uganda-European Community Country Strategy Paper and National Indicative Programme for the
period 2002-2007 Section 3.1: The Political Situation (p. 5), the Commission states that:

Apart from the North and South West areas affected by rebellions, there is a general sense of security
and of not being exposed to exactions from State organs.

Is the Commission aware of the developing humanitarian crisis in large parts of northern Uganda as
escalating conflict between the Ugandan Government and the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) has led to food
production being stopped in some areas and that aid convoys have been terminated following attacks
upon them, resulting in up to 120 000 people being threatened with starvation?

What representations has the Commission made to the Ugandan Government regarding the growing
humanitarian crisis?

C 268 E/26

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

7.11.2003

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(18 November 2002)

The Commission has been following the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Northern Uganda
very closely and with increasing concern. An assessment mission undertaken by the Commission in early
October 2002 has re-confirmed this concern.

The Commission is already providing humanitarian assistance to the region through United Nations (UN)
agencies and a wide range of non-governmental organisations. This assistance comprises food aid, water
and sanitation, medical and educational supplies and support to released abductees/former child soldiers. In
particular, the Commission, through Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO), has already more then doubled its
allocation for Uganda in 2002 to over EUR 2 million for the people affected, notably an estimated
700 000 internally displaced persons affected by insecurity in that region. In addition, ECHO has made
arrangements to allow ECHO Flight to respond rapidly to requests for emergency missions.

The UN agencies are currently assessing food shortages as well as harvests for the coming year and the
Commission will most probably contribute to cover part of the needs.

The Commission, together with other donors supporting Uganda, is in discussion with the Government to
ensure that the northern regions receive a fair share of the resources earmarked for development.

(2003/C 268 E/030)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3019/02

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

(23 October 2002)

Subject: Human rights and democracy in Burma

As the Commission knows, the human rights situation in Burma is still worrying and, despite the release
of a number of political prisoners, more than 1 500 are still in custody for political reasons.

Is the Commission also aware that repression of religious minorities in Burma has increased considerably
in recent years?

Will
the Commission maintain the present EU sanctions against Burma and exert pressure on the
authorities there to bring about a lasting improvement in the human rights situation and above all restore
democracy?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(26 November 2002)

As has been stated on several occasions, the Commission is deeply concerned about the situation in
Burma/Myanmar and the damage the military regime is causing to the country and to its future.

The Commission is aware of reports of alleged persecutions of ethnic minority groups by the military in
Burma/Myanmar and continuously voices its grave concern about the human rights situation in the
country, particularly in ethnic minority areas.

During the Union Troika visit to Burma/Myanmar in September 2002, these concerns were once again
expressed to the Burmese government. The Troika also urged the Burmese government to release all
remaining political prisoners and to lift the remaining political restrictions on freedom of expression,
association and assembly.