92001E1466

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1466/01

by Guido Podestà (PPE-DE) to the Council

(21 May 2001)

Subject: Aggression against cultural traditions in Afghanistan

The destruction of the pre-Islamic statues of Buddha dating back to the second century BC is not only an attack on mankind's cultural heritage, perpetuating a cultural disaster which started with the damage inflicted on the archaeological finds in the museum of Kabul, it is also a symptom of a form of fanaticism which goes way beyond religious feeling and threatens to continue, regardless of the many appeals launched from various parts of the world.

What action will the Council take to safeguard the artistic and cultural heritage threatened by the present regime in Afghanistan?

What steps does it intend to take to stem this religious fanaticism?

What steps will it take to strengthen dialogue with the local authorities?

What cooperation measures does it intend to launch internationally, especially with countries such as Pakistan, the Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which have recognised the Taleban government, in order to try to find scope for agreement?

Reply

(20 November 2001)

1. When the Taliban regime announced its intention to destroy cultural artefacts in Afghanistan, the Council immediately reacted and tried to prevent the destruction of the rich cultural heritage. Several demarches were carried out, including with the Taliban Foreign Minister Mutawakil, in Pakistan, in Saudi Arabia and in Abu Dhabi. The Council also firmly condemned the ordered destruction in its declaration of 1 March 2001. Unfortunately, the Taliban, once again, turned out to be completely insensitive to the combined international pressure and unanimous condemnation, including by other Islamic countries, of their barbaric acts.

2. The Council will obviously keep up efforts to prevent any further deterioration of the situation, without, however, having unrealistic expectations as to the chances to influence the Taliban's unacceptable behaviour. As set out in the Common Position of January 2001, the Council will also continue to promote an end to the fighting in Afghanistan and a negotiated political settlement between the warring factions. To this end, the Council will continue to raise the issue of Afghanistan during the regular political dialogue meetings with neighbouring countries, inviting them to use whatever influence they have to bring about a change in the country.

3. As to the other problems raised in the question, the Council has already repeatedly and extensively informed the European Parliament of its position concerning various aspects of the situation in Afghanistan. In the absence of particular new developments, the Council therefore invites the Honourable MEP to revert to the replies given to questions O-0032/2001, O-0052/2001, H-0170/2001, H-0481/2001 and E-0088/2001.