WRITTEN QUESTION E-0679/03 by Marco Cappato (NI) to the Commission. Arrest of the Peruvian national Nelson Palomino.
Date: 2003-03-07
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Peru, alternative agricultural production, drug traffic, economic situation, fight against crime, political prisoner, political situation, political unrest, project evaluation

C 33 E/70

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

6.2.2004

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(7 April 2003)

The Commission does not support the aerial spraying of illegal crops in Colombia.

The Commission has obtained a political commitment from the Colombian Government that the areas
covered by its alternative development projects (that foresee voluntary manual eradication) be exempt from
fumigation. The Commission also discusses this issue with the United States’ Government, and follows
closely developments on the ground.

This position derives in particular from the Commission’s view on aerial spraying in the Union, which is
that in the future it should be restricted as far as possible, if not banned completely. In its Communication
‘Towards a Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides’ (1), the Commission proposes a general
ban on aerial spraying, with specific derogation to be authorised by Member States if aerial spraying
presents clear advantages and also environmental benefits compared to other spraying methods. This is
due to the impact that spray-drift from aerial spraying of pesticides may have on human health and the
environment, as well as its possible socio-economic impact, notably on non-targeted areas, inhabited areas,
and water (2).

(1) COM(2002) 349 final.
(2)

For details please refer to the following web page: http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ppps/home.htm.

(2004/C 33 E/066)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0679/03

by Marco Cappato (NI) to the Commission

(7 March 2003)

Subject: Arrest of the Peruvian national Nelson Palomino

Last week, whilst I was staying in Lima Nelson Palomino (cid:1) one of the leaders of the Peruvian ‘campesinos’
(cid:1) was arrested on charges of incitement to terrorism, an offence covered by the Fujimori government’s
Penal Code, which is currently undergoing reform. Peruvian press sources indicate that Palomino is
allegedly guilty of encouraging demonstrations and road blocks without ruling out the use of force.

Relations between the Peruvian Government and the ‘campesinos’ are particularly tense because of a
stalemate in the dialogue on a package of agricultural reforms, in particular the disastrous policies to
eradicate by force the cultivation of coca.

During my meeting with the leaders of the Peruvian anti-drugs agency DEVIDA, they refused to give me
and the Secretary of the International Anti-Prohibitionist League, Marco Perduca, any information on the
situation of the ‘campesinos’ and, in particular, on the arrest of Palomino.

Can the Commission ask the Peruvian authorities for information (cid:1) to be passed on to Parliament -
concerning a situation which, if it is not tackled promptly in a spirit of dialogue, threatens to lead to
outbreaks of violence such as those which caused dozens of people to die and hundreds to be injured in
neighbouring Bolivia in recent weeks?

What results have been achieved by the Commission’s projects in Peru designed to replace the cultivation
of coca leaves throughout the country?

To what extent is the Commission’s work in the region influenced by the increased militarisation of Peru
and the tension following Palomino’s arrest and what interlocutors among the ‘campesinos’ does the
Commission have to help carry out its projects?

6.2.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 33 E/71

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(9 April 2003)

The Commission Delegation in Lima monitors closely the political, economic and social situation in Peru.
issues such as counter-narcotics and alternative
This includes keeping abreast of
development efforts through, among other means, contacts with Peruvian government authorities.

important current

Commission policy is to support voluntary rather than forced eradication, and this policy is known to the
Peruvian Government. Until recently, the Commission was not involved in any significant projects in Peru
aiming at promoting alternatives to coca leaf cultivation. In October 2002 a project promoting alternative
development in the Pozuzo Palcazu area, PER B7 310 IB 98 0253, was launched. This project will
approach the promotion of alternatives to cultivation of coca as one aspect among many others within the
framework of an integrated regional development project. The Global Operational Program of the Pozuzo
Palcazu project is in the process of being established.

The field work of the project, still very limited at this stage, has not been affected by any tensions in the
area up to now. The Commission’s Peruvian counterpart agency and principal national interlocutor for the
project is the Commission for Development and Life without Drugs (Comisión para el Desarollo y la Vida
sin Drogas (cid:1) Devida).

(2004/C 33 E/067)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0699/03

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(10 March 2003)

Subject: Investigation into protection of the ink cartridge market

In mid-May 2002,
in the course of a meeting with the assistant attorney-general at the US Justice
Department, Mr James, Commissioner Monti indicated that the European Commission would be launching
an investigation into the high prices for ink cartridges sold for use with printers. The sale of such
cartridges linked to brands may represent a form of distortion of competition. The Commissioner indicated
that the obligation to use ink cartridges of the same brand as a particular printer would be investigated
very thoroughly.

Has an investigation since been launched into this potential form of distortion of competition?

If so, at what stage is the investigation, and is it already possible to draw provisional conclusions?

If not, why did the Commission not consider it appropriate to launch an investigation, contrary to its
earlier intentions and despite the various complaints about high prices for ink cartridges that have been
lodged with the Commission?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(1 April 2003)

The Commission can confirm that it has recently initiated a case concerning, amongst others, the inkjet
cartridges and printers sectors. It is currently analysing the conduct of a number of companies in these
markets in light of the Community’s competition rules.

The case remains at a preliminary stage of analysis and therefore the Commission is unable to provide
further detailed information with regard to its development or scope at this point in time. Nevertheless,
were the case to be pursued,
its
examination of this issue as soon as it were possible to do so.

the Commission would naturally make public further details of