91999E1613

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1613/99

by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(15 September 1999)

Subject: Anti-landmine campaign

The previous European Commission played an active part in the campaign against landmines.

What action will the new Commission take in continuing to support that campaign?

Is the Commission prepared to convene another international conference in this connection, and if so when and where will such a conference be held?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(11 October 1999)

In line with Council Resolution 11913/96 and Parliament Resolution A4-0149/95 the Commission intends to strengthen its contribution to international efforts for overcoming the global problem of landmines, by referring specifically to the commitments of the Ottawa Treaty. A draft regulation on action against anti-personnel landmines, accompanied by a communication to the Council and the Parliament on the same topic, will be submitted to the Parliament and the Council by the end of 1999.

In this context, special emphasis is being given to intensified coordination of activities at Commission, Member State and international levels, including support to the United Nations concerning its overall coordination role. Any major Commission activities such as the organisation of international conferences

will be considered in the context of the new regulation to be adopted, and in close cooperation with the United Nations and other actors in this area. It is currently not envisaged to hold a major international conference in the near future.