WRITTEN QUESTION E-0174/03 by Isidoro Sánchez García (ELDR) to the Council. Crisis in Venezuela.
Date: 2003-01-30
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU relations, Organisation of American States, Venezuela, common foreign and security policy, coup d'état, economic situation, international arbitration, political crisis

C 222 E/158

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

18.9.2003

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 2003)

Within the national legislation of the United Kingdom, lemon curd and mincemeat are defined as follows:

(cid:1) Lemon curd is a product made, mainly, from an emulsion of edible fats or other oils (or both), sugar,

whole egg or egg yolk (or both), and any combination of lemon puree, lemon pulp or lemon;

(cid:1) Mincemeat is a product made mainly from a sweetening agent, vine fruits, citrus peel, sugar or any
other carbohydrate, suet or equivalent fat and vinegar or acetic acid with or without other ingredients.

The use of the terms ‘lemon curd’ and ‘mincemeat’
is not prohibited by Community legislation. The
Commission has no plans to introduce legislation to ban the use of these terms for the products in
question.

(2003/C 222 E/183)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0174/03

by Isidoro Sánchez García (ELDR) to the Council

(30 January 2003)

Subject: Crisis in Venezuela

Venezuela is situated on the north coast of South America, forms part of the Andean Pact group of
countries, is rich in natural resources, chiefly oil, has had a broad tradition of democracy since the mid-
twentieth century, has been generous throughout recent history and has, as a result, welcomed many
citizens who have come in search of a better world, and whose efforts have contributed to the country’s
prosperity. In 2002, however,
it was shaken by two events which were unprecedented in Venezuela’s
history and which adversely affected the country’s institutional, political, economic and social govern-
ability. First of all, a mini-coup d’état took place on 11 April 2002 aimed at toppling President Hugo
Chávez, who had been elected in 1998 in accordance with the Venezuelan Constitution. Secondly, a civil
strike called at the beginning of December 2002 has caused serious disruption to Venezuela’s civil society.
Observing events from the outside in the first weeks of 2003,
it appears that the situation remains
unchanged and the crisis is reaching a peak, posing a serious risk of a breakdown in institutional stability
and industrial relations.

Faced with this scenario of social and political confrontation, the parties are approaching the international
community in search of support for a negotiated democratic solution. In these circumstances the European
Union cannot simply stand aside, since in addition to the fact that democratic solidarity requires a
response to the grave problem facing Venezuela, it must also take into account the fact that hundreds of
thousands of nationals of EU Member States live in the country.

Given this extreme crisis affecting Venezuela, what measures will the Council take,
in the context of
respect for its sovereignty and independence and in accordance with Article 21 of the EU Treaty, to help
bring about a democratic solution to the crisis in Venezuela and thereby avoid the grave threats posed by
institutional instability and the breakdown of industrial relations in the country?

Reply

(8 May 2003)

1.
As already indicated in the answer given to oral questions H-0880/02 and H-0016/03, the EU has
regularly monitored the situation in Venezuela and clearly stated its position in public as well as with
partners and authorities involved in finding a negotiated peaceful and constitutional solution to the
political crisis in the country. (see declarations made by the Presidencies on 12 April and 10 October, the
Heads of Mission on 8 December and the High Representative on 19 December)

18.9.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 222 E/159

2. Most recently, on 23 December, the Presidency reiterated the EU’s position in a declaration:

The European Union continues to follow with increasing attention and concern the developments of
the internal situation in Venezuela.

The European Union welcomes the adoption by the Permanent Council of the OAS resolution 833 in
support for the democratic institutional structures in Venezuela and the facilitation efforts of the OAS
Secretary General.

In this connection the European Union expresses its strong support to the efforts of the Secretary
General of the OAS to build the conditions for dialogue and national reconciliation.

The European Union urges the institutions and people of Venezuela to seek a peaceful and
constitutional solution to the crisis in order to allow the country to re-establish a stable internal
situation that may lead to a process of economic progress and social development, in a framework of
full respect of democratic principles and rules of law.

3.
In its resolution of 17 December, the OAS Permanent Council urged all Parties to preserve the free
exercise of the essential elements of democracy to favour a constitutional, democratic, peaceful and
electoral solution.

On 21 January, the EU has welcomed ‘the establishment of the Group of Friends of Venezuela’ (Brazil,
Chile, Mexico, Portugal, Spain and USA) announced in Quito on 15 January by the Secretary General of
the OAS.

The EU expresses its full support for the contribution the Group of Friends can offer in fostering a viable
solution to the crisis in Venezuela along the objectives set by the OAS resolution 833, in particular a
peaceful, democratic, constitutional and electoral solution to the crisis.

The EU considers that the Secretary General of the OAS has (cid:1) through the Group of Friends (cid:1) an
additional valuable instrument
for genuine dialogue and
reconciliation.

to build the conditions

in his efforts

4.

The EU continues to monitor closely the evolution of the situation in Venezuela.

(2003/C 222 E/184)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0181/03

by Miet Smet (PPE-DE) to the Council

(30 January 2003)

Subject: Women’s rights in Iran

Despite major violations of women’s rights (cid:1) discrimination, stonings, torture, etc. (cid:1), on 12 December
2002 the European Union began negotiations with Iran on the conclusion of a trade and cooperation
agreement. Given the importance Europe attaches to promoting and protecting human rights and
fundamental freedoms, the EU plans to incorporate a human rights clause in this trade and cooperation
agreement.

A European troika paid a visit to Iran on 16/17 December 2002 in connection with the launching of the
human rights dialogue between the EU and Iran. According to a press release from the Danish Presidency,
the dialogue took place in an open and constructive atmosphere. Is there a connection between the troika
visit and the Iranian government’s decision to issue an invitation to a UN Special Rapporteur on violence
against women?

The European Parliament has always called for pressure to be exerted to ensure that women’s rights are
respected whenever agreements are concluded between the EU and third countries. A human rights clause
is to be included in the agreement with Iran. To what extent will this clause also lay down stringent
conditions in the area of women’s rights? How will the EU be able to monitor and enforce compliance
with this clause? Will the possibility of suspending the agreement if Iran should fail to respect women’s
rights, or human rights in general, also be built in?