WRITTEN QUESTION E-1290/03 by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Anti-dumping measures applicable to the import of ferroalloys; the problem of the firm Ferroatlántica, located in Cee and Dumbria on the Costa da Morte in Galicia.
Date: 2003-04-04
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, anti-dumping legislation, anti-dumping measure, common commercial policy, international competition, iron and steel industry

8.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 88 E/345

Does the Commission consider that the statements by its spokesman, to the effect that the referendum
might represent a firm step towards a political solution that would satisfy the majority of the Chechens,
square with the information which suggests that it was no more than a macabre electoral farce organised
by the Kremlin? Will the Commission rectify without delay the irresponsible statements made by its
spokesman, and clearly indicate to the authorities of the Russian Federation that it cannot be taken in by
such crass behaviour, which is far removed from democratic practices and from the criteria that govern
Russia’s membership of the Council of Europe? Will the Commission take genuine steps to induce Mr Putin
and Mr Maskhadov to negotiate a political solution to the Chechen tragedy?

Answer given by M. Patten on behalf of the Commission

(15 April 2003)

According to information provided by the Russian authorities, voter turnout
in the constitutional
referendum, which took place in Chechnya on Sunday 23 March 2003, is estimated at 85 %. The vote in
favour of the draft constitution was 95 %.

The Commission did not monitor the referendum. The Office of Democratic Institutions and Human
Rights (ODIHR) (Organisation on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)), which sent an expert team
to the Russian republic at the time of the poll, also concluded in advance that it could not monitor the
referendum on account, inter alia, of the security situation in Chechnya. ODIHR did, however, note that
many inhabitants of Chechnya and internally displaced persons hope that the referendum will lead to a
political process and bring peace and stability.

took place during the vote. The
The Commission is aware of reports of certain irregularities that
Commission, nevertheless, hopes that the referendum may mark a first step towards a political solution to
the Chechnya conflict and to the re-establishment of the rule of law in the republic.

As the Commission’s spokesman stated in the aftermath of the referendum, this can only be achieved, if
serious efforts are taken to address a number of issues, which have been repeatedly raised by the
Commission in the context of the Union’s political dialogue with Russia. The Commission position is that
Russia should pursue a political, inclusive, solution, which must respect Russia’s sovereignty and territorial
integrity. There should be an immediate end to disappearances and human rights violations followed by
those responsible. Russia should also
the thorough,
guarantee that there will be no forced return of internally displaced persons, as well as permit the safe
and effective delivery of humanitarian aid. This position is reflected in discussions on a resolution on
Chechnya at the 59th United Nations Committee on Human Rights (UNCHR), which is now in session in
Geneva.

investigation and prosecution of

independent

The Commission will closely follow developments in the coming months,
in particular the Russian
intention to negotiate a treaty between the federal centre and Chechnya (cid:1) clarifying Chechnya’s status in
the Russian Federation (cid:1) and proposed Presidential and Duma elections for the republic.

(2004/C 88 E/0352)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1290/03

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(4 April 2003)

Subject: Anti-dumping measures applicable to the import of

ferroalloys;

the problem of

the firm

Ferroatlántica, located in Cee and Dumbria on the Costa da Morte in Galicia

The development of the business of the firm Ferroatlántica, which manufactures ferroalloys and is of
fundamental
is affected by the EU’s
importing these products at dumping prices from countries such as China, Kazakhstan, Russia and
Ukraine. In view of the non-legitimate interests of the steel producers promoting these imports (cid:1) quite

importance for the economy of the Costa da Morte in Galicia,

C 88 E/346

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

8.4.2004

apart from the unfair competition involved (cid:1) ferroalloy manufacturers such as Ferroatlántica are urging
the Commission to impose effective anti-dumping measures. The Commission started proceedings aimed at
the adoption of anti-dumping measures, which did not meet with the approval of European ferroalloy
manufacturers, since they seem to favour the steel manufacturers who use cheap imported products. What
progress has been made on this issue, which affects the viability of companies like Ferroatlántica?

Answer given by Mr Lamy on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2003)

The Commission pays careful attention to problems of unfair trade suffered by the Community industry,
and initiates investigations and proposes the imposition of remedial measures if the legal conditions are
met. In the case of anti-dumping investigations, measures may be imposed by the Council if it is found
that dumped products materially injure the Community industry, and that such measures would not be
against the global interest of all economic operators concerned.

Based on duly documented requests by the Community ferroalloy industry, the Commission initiated
37 anti-dumping investigations concerning unfair trade in ferroalloys over the last ten years. This has led
to the imposition of measures in 30 cases, seven of which continue to be under measures. The last
investigation was initiated in October 2002 regarding imports of silicon metal originating in Russia(cid:1)and
in the same month a review investigation of the measures on the same product originating in China. These
investigations are on-going, and it is expected that they will be concluded within 15 months after
initiation. Should they confirm that unfair trade practices exist, the Commission will propose the extension
of measures for five years for Chinese products, and the imposition, equally for five years, of remedial
measures against Russian products.

Should any other unfair trade problems occur, the Commission remains, as always in the past, disposed to
examine substantiated claims by the Community industry.

(2004/C 88 E/0353)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1294/03

by José Ribeiro e Castro (UEN) to the Commission

Subject: Venezuela (cid:1) democratic solution to the crisis

(7 April 2003)

Thanks to the initiative taken by former US President Jimmy Carter, the agreement reached between
President Chávez and the Venezuelan opposition means that there are two options for ending the conflict
limiting the presidential mandate, or a
between the two sides: either a constitutional amendment
referendum revoking that mandate.

Carter believes that the constitutional amendment would be more rapid and feasible. The referendum,
which is covered by the current Constitution, could take place from 19 August 2003, when Chávez’s
mandate reaches its halfway point. The President apparently prefers this second option.

Negotiations are still going on.

The media have reported that Rafael Alonso, a member of the leadership of Coordinadora Democrática,
has now protested that Chávez, having promised that he would submit his mandate to the will of the
people on 19 August, and even criticised the opposition for its impatience, has now, in his latest television
appearance, made it clear that he is thinking of going to full term in 2006 after all.