WRITTEN QUESTION E-2231/03 by Bill Newton Dunn (ELDR) to the Commission. Human rights abuses in Burma.
Date: 2003-07-03
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU relations, Myanmar/Burma, human rights, political prisoner, right to justice

8.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 88 E/393

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(29 July 2003)

The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that the protection of the freedom of action of
human rights defenders, in accordance with international standards, is a matter of the utmost importance.

The Commission is aware of the dissolution of the Sahara section of the ‘Forum for Truth and Justice’, as
well as persisting allegations of harassment and intimidation against Western Saharan civil society activists.
The Commission understands that in this particular case, defense lawyers have announced their intention
to appeal against the decision handed down in Layounne on the 18 June 2003. The Commission is
following the matter closely.

Relations between Morocco and the Union are governed by the Association Agreement and questions
related to human rights as well as those connected with the Western Sahara are treated, inter alia, in the
framework of the political dialogue (article 2) during the Association Councils and Committees.

On 22 May 2003 the Commission issued a Communication (1) aimed at reinvigorating Union actions on
Human Rights and democratisation with the Mediterranean partners, within the framework of both
dialogue and cooperation under the Euro-Med Association Agreements.

This Communication outlines guidelines for the best use of the instruments that are at the disposal of the
Union and its Mediterranean partners to effectively implement their common goal of the promotion of
democratisation and the promotion and protection of universal Human Rights and fundamental freedoms.
It proposes 10 concrete recommendations to improve the dialogue between the Union and its
Mediterranean partners, as well as Union’s financial co-operation on Human Rights issues. Several of the
recommendations touch on the vital role played by civil society in the promotion and protection of
human rights, and the need to collaborate constructively with partners to effectively ensure civil society
freedom of action in accordance with international norms. The implementation of the Communication will
be enhanced by three levels of complementarity: between the political dialogue and financial assistance,
between the MEDA programme and assistance under the European Initiative for Democracy and Human
Rights (EIDHR), and finally between the national and regional dimensions.

The Communication will provide an additional, concrete platform to engage the Mediterranean partners,
such as Morocco, on a continuous dialogue on all the questions of human rights and democratisation
including, when appropriate, those dealing with specific cases.

In this respect the Commission would like to reassure the Honourable Member that the effective protection
of human rights in Western Sahara remains a continuous and major priority for the Commission.

(1) COM(2003) 294 final.

(2004/C 88 E/0399)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2231/03

by Bill Newton Dunn (ELDR) to the Commission

(3 July 2003)

Subject: Human rights abuses in Burma

The Commission will be aware of the human rights abuses which continue in Burma, particularly the
detention of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Has the Commission:

1. made representations to the Burmese Government?

2.

any other plans to try to improve the dreadful situation?

C 88 E/394

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

8.4.2004

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(31 July 2003)

The Commission and Member States have repeatedly called for the immediate release of Daw Aung San
Suu Kyi and the arrested National League for Democracy (NLD) officials and supporters, the reopening of
NLD offices throughout the country as well as the reopening of all universities in Burma/Myanmar.

On 16 June 2003 the EU also decided to implement without delay the strengthened sanctions, specifically
targeted on the military leaders and their supporters, originally envisaged to enter into force on or before
29 October 2003 as agreed in the Common Position on Burma/Myanmar (2003/297/CFSP) of 28 April
2003 (1).

In addition, the EU has intensified discussions on the situation in Burma with its dialogue partners in Asia
in order to encourage them to use their influence on the Burmese Government to release Aung San Suu
Kyi and support progress on the issues of good governance, and economic reform. On 17 June 2003, the
Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has launched an unprecedented call to Burma for
‘a peaceful transition to democracy’.

The Commission will continue to liase with all EU dialogue partners in order to ensure that the increased
international pressure on the Burmese Government is maintained until the Burmese government releases
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all her supporters and undertakes some firm steps towards national
reconciliation and a return to democracy.

(1) OJ L 106, 29.4.2003.

(2004/C 88 E/0400)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2252/03

by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission

Subject: Uncommitted and unspent EC funds in South Africa

(1 July 2003)

Would the Commission confirm that in the case of South Africa, because decommitted funds cannot be
reprogrammed, they are lost? There is a need to urgently consider applying a more flexible approach likely
to allow the extension of essential projects. This approach would lessen the strong likelihood of serious
social and/or political consequences. Would the Commission give its view on this matter?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(29 July 2003)

The Commission confirms that, in the case of external aid allocated from the general budget, funds de-
committed in one budget year cannot in principle be re-used or made available again in subsequent budget
years. These annual budget operations are subject to binding legal rules in the Financial Regulation (1)
adopted by Council and Parliament. (Programming is essentially a longer-term planning exercise to set out
key priorities (cid:1) it does not constitute a formal financial commitment). This is not only the case for South
Africa but applies also for all other countries that receive external aid from the Commission’s general
budget. Regarding this issue the Commission has conducted intensive discussions with the South African
Authorities over the last months.

The Commission has always applied a large degree of flexibility for the extension of cooperation projects
with South Africa. Since the start of the European Programme for Reconstruction and Development
(EPRD) with South Africa, the Commission has approved over 150 riders for the extension of Financing
Agreements. Unfortunately, not all of these extensions have produced the expected results. Nevertheless,