WRITTEN QUESTION E-1294/03 by José Ribeiro e Castro (UEN) to the Commission. Venezuela — democratic solution to the crisis.
Date: 2003-04-07
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU relations, Venezuela, political arbitration, political crisis

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.

8.4.2004

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Official Journal of the European Union

C 88 E/347

The Commission:

(cid:1) what information does it have about the way the negotiations are going;

(cid:1) what approaches has it made or does it intend to make to the Venezuelan Presidency with a view to
encouraging the end of a crisis which is affecting the whole of Venezuelan society, so that one of
these two options is really taken up, thus ensuring a democratic solution?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2003)

Since the start of the negotiations on 8 November 2002 between representatives of the Government of
Venezuela and the ‘Coordinadora Democrática’ (organised opposition), two agreements have been reached.
The first was a Pact against Violence, reached in February 2003. The second agreement was presented by
the Organisation of American States (OAS) facilitator on 11 April 2003 and was due to be signed on
22 April 2003. This ‘pre-agreement’ moves towards a possible revocatory referendum on the mandate of
President Chávez, once he reaches half term on the 19 August 2003, as provided by the Constitution. It
seems that the opposition is ready to sign it while the government has presented some amendments. The
signing of the agreement was postponed. However the government is under international pressure, mainly
from members of the ‘Group of Friends’, to accept and sign it.

The main disagreement during the negotiations on this ‘pre-agreement’ has been whether the sitting
president can participate in the new elections should his mandate be revoked through the referendum. An
opposition party demanded clarification on this point from the Supreme Court, which is yet to be issued.

The ‘pre-agreement’ includes the role of the international actors, naming the United Nations Development
Programme, Carter Center and OAS as international guarantors. The Group of Friends has expressed its
satisfaction with the latest developments and its readiness to assist in the future process.

The Commission and the Member States are following the situation in Venezuela with great attention. Pre-
occupied by the evident split of society into supporters and opponents of President Chávez, the Union has
expressed in several declarations (October and December 2002, January 2003) its full support for the OAS
efforts, and the Group of Friends, to facilitate a national dialogue between the Government and the
‘Coordinadora Democrática’ (organised opposition) as well as other relevant sectors of society. The Union
has emphasised the need for a peaceful, democratic, constitutional and electoral solution to the crisis. Two
Member States (Spain and Portugal) are members of the Group of Friends.

Furthermore, the Commission is financially supporting the OAS in facilitating the ongoing dialogue
between the parties and the implementation of possible agreements on three main points: free and fair
elections, creation of a Truth Commission to investigate the events of April 2002 and disarming the
civilian population. The Commission is also prepared to send an electoral observation mission, in the event
that an electoral consultation takes place and the Venezuelan government requests such a mission.

(2004/C 88 E/0354)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1296/03

by José Ribeiro e Castro (UEN) to the Commission

(7 April 2003)

Subject: Clashes in southern Nigeria

There are reports that clashes between the army and rival gangs of ethnic militants have caused dozens of
deaths in southern Nigeria, in the oil-rich Niger delta. Local inhabitants fleeing the fighting, which has