WRITTEN QUESTION E-0046/03 by Pasqualina Napoletano (PSE)and Giovanni Pittella (PSE) to the Commission. Crisis in Venezuela.
Date: 2003-01-21
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU relations, Venezuela, political situation, political violence

C 88 E/312

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

8.4.2004

Concerning the above mentioned Interreg A and B programmes, most of the adjusted programme
complements were sent to the Commission by the end of 2002. Spending on projects can thus start in
early 2003. It will be the task of the respective steering committees to commit these financial means to
concrete projects according to criteria of the programme complements. Future payments will therefore
depend on spending on the ground. The closing date for the eligibility of expenditure for this funding is
31 December 2004.

(1) OJ C 75 E, 26.3.2002.

(2004/C 88 E/0317)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0046/03

by Pasqualina Napoletano (PSE)
and Giovanni Pittella (PSE) to the Commission

(21 January 2003)

Subject: Crisis in Venezuela

Venezuela is being torn apart by a dramatic political and social crisis, which includes both organised
violence on the part of the most radical groups close to the government of President Chavez and acts on
the part of extremist opposition groups which are little short of a coup d’état. The situation is a real threat
to democracy and freedom in a country where a very large section of the population is of European origin
(including a large community of Italian origin).

What steps have already been taken (and with what results) and what further action is planned to ensure
that the European Union can help to enhance the role of the international community and institutions,
which is of decisive importance for the purposes of overcoming the crisis in the context of political
negotiation and respect for democracy and the Constitution?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(13 February 2003)

On the current crisis in Venezuela, the Union has issued three declarations in 2002, after the April coup,
on 9 October and on 23 December. In them, the Union expressed its full support for the Organisation of
American States (OAS) efforts to facilitate a national dialogue between the Government of Venezuela and
the Coordinadora Democrática (organised opposition) as well as other relevant sectors of society. These
declarations, as others issued by other countries, regions and international institutions, have probably had
a positive impact in that they encouraged the Venezuelan population to abstain from violence, and made it
clear to the most radical elements in the opposition that the international community would not tolerate
any non-democratic or non-constitutional solutions.

The OAS efforts have, however, as yet not produced any concrete results in resolving the political crisis.
The parties in conflict appear to be unable to engage in a constructive dialogue to solve the situation. A
new initiative to help address the conflict, the creation of a ‘Group of Friends’, was launched in Quito on
15 January 2003. Two Member States are part of the group, Spain and Portugal, whose creation the Union
welcomed in a Declaration of 21 January 2003. The Group of Friends will work in support of the OAS
efforts.

Furthermore, the Commission has approved a project of financial assistance to the OAS in its efforts to
implement possible agreements reached between the parties of the OAS mediated dialogue. In addition to
facilitating the ongoing dialogue,
it has three main components: support for free and fair elections;
investigation of the events of April 2002 (failed coup); and disarming the civilian population.