WRITTEN QUESTION E-1142/03 by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Protection of archaeological museum exhibits in Iraq.
Date: 2003-04-01
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing, Iraq, cultural heritage, cultural policy, heritage protection

8.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 88 E/19

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(25 April 2003)

in 1993
Considering that the criteria for membership agreed by the Copenhagen European Council
(21/22 June 1993) include the guaranteeing of the rule of law, the Commission attaches great importance
to the development of effective and non-discriminatory law enforcement in Bulgaria, including effective
complaint mechanisms for corruption-related matters. Although the Commission is not in a position to
inquire into individual cases in the area of justice and home affairs,
it monitors respect of Bulgaria’s
commitment to the rule of law and regularly reports to the Parliament and to the Member States.

The Commission clearly states in the 2002 Regular Report (1) on Bulgaria that police corruption is
perceived to be a problem and that cases of bribery in the traffic and border police have been raised by
Union citizens driving in and through the country.

Following the Commission’s request
Association Committee,
Agreement. Bulgaria’s progress in this area will be continuously monitored until the date of accession.

the issue will continue to be discussed in the framework of

the Union/Bulgaria
the Europe

for improvements at

the last meeting of

Bulgaria has been repeatedly invited to take appropriate measures in order to prevent incidents of the
specific character described in the complaints and to inform the Commission of the results of its actions.
In response to this, the Bulgarian authorities have taken a number of specific measures (preventive and
repressive) which they have communicated to the Commission in August 2002 in a document entitled:
‘Measures taken by the Bulgarian Law Enforcement authorities aimed at more effective counteraction
against Road crime’. The Commission continues to closely monitor the situation, also in the framework of
the accession assistance (PHARE) and via the accession negotiations.

As concerns the 2002 PHARE programme, all project proposals designed to contribute to the fight against
corruption were regarded as a matter of priority. Four anti-corruption projects were approved, one of
which exclusively covers corruption within the police forces. Additional PHARE projects are being
implemented to support the reform of the public administration, including the customs administration,
and the judiciary. All these projects are described in detail on: (http://www.evropa.bg). Further projects in
all three reform areas have been proposed under the PHARE 2003 programme which is now under
consideration by the Member States.

(1) COM(2002) 700 final.

(2004/C 88 E/0018)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1142/03

by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Protection of archaeological museum exhibits in Iraq

(1 April 2003)

According to the Greek press, the National Archaeological Museum of Iraq is regarded as one of the most
important archaeological museums in the Middle East, the other being situated in Cairo. The National
Archaeological Museum of Iraq was open for only two years following damage sustained during the
‘Desert Storm’ operation in 1991 and a few days ago it once more closed down following the threat of
further attack. The museum contains exhibits from the prehistoric age and from Sumerian, Acadian,
Babylonian, Assyrian, Chaldean and other civilisations.

When the destruction of cultural treasures in Afghanistan was being witnessed by the international
community, I submitted a question to the Commission (P-0822/01) (1) asking what it thought of the idea
of setting up a special EU fund for buying up cultural treasures threatened with destruction and whether
funds were available to protect the world’s cultural heritage. In reply I was informed that ‘the budget of the
Community does not contain provision for the funding of measures destined to protect the world cultural
heritage and that there are at present no plans by the Community to create a special fund to buy cultural
treasures threatened with destruction’.

C 88 E/20

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

8.4.2004

Given the probability of further destruction of treasures forming part of the world’s cultural heritage, how
does the Commission now view the idea of setting up such a fund? What measures will it take to protect
the cultural treasures of the National Archaeological Museum of Iraq from destruction as a result of the
war?

(1) OJ C 261 E, 18.9.2001, p. 202.

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 2003)

The Commission expresses deep concern for the suffering provoked by the conflict to the Iraqi population.
It is also concerned about physical damages to the infrastructures and buildings,
including cultural
treasures. After the pillage and the destruction of a large number of archaeological treasures in the
Museums of Baghdad, Tikrit and Mossoul, the Commission hopes that all measures will be taken so that
further destruction is avoided.

As already explained in the context of the conflict in Afghanistan, the EU has not foreseen the creation of
a special fund for the preservation of cultural treasures from destruction in a third country. Possible
intervention in this area could take place only in the framework of potential EU involvement in the
reconstruction of Iraq, and in line with the priorities of intervention identified, following the assessment of
needs and damages.

(2004/C 88 E/0019)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1148/03

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(1 April 2003)

Subject: Seychelles

The executive power and ruling party’s stranglehold on life in the Seychelles, threats to human rights and
the restrictions on the press of the opposition, drug trafficking and money laundering are repeatedly
denounced.

What steps have been taken by the Commission, under the auspices of the Cotonou Agreement and the
EU’s stated objectives on human rights and democracy, to improve democratisation and good governance
in the Seychelles?

(2004/C 88 E/0020)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1150/03

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(1 April 2003)

Subject: Seychelles

Recently, Colin Thelermont, after his escape from prison, was savagely tortured before being executed (cid:1)
a similar case in January 1999 ended with a summary execution.

As the Seychelles have ratified both the UN Convention on Torture and Other Cruel and Degrading
Treatment or Punishment and the Convention against the Death Penalty (1 February 2002), what action
does the European Union intend to take to make the Seychelles authorities face up to their responsibilities
in this matter?