91997E3102

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3102/97 by Roberto Mezzaroma (UPE) to the Council (9 October 1997)

Subject: Catholic church in Russia

I have learnt from reliable sources that Russian President Boris Yeltsin is about to sign a law approved by the Duma on 23 June and by the Council senators on 4 July 1997 which will reduce the Catholic church to a simple sect with very limited rights.

Not only would the oecumenical dialogue between the Orthodox and Catholic churches be compromised, but a fundamental human right, freedom of religion enshrined in Article 18, would be violated.

What is the Council doing to stop this serious and unjust act?

Should not the Council, the Commission and the EP take joint action and set up a committee of inquiry to safeguard the rights of Russian Catholics who have embraced the Catholic faith and protect the Catholic church?

The Catholic religion can never be regarded as equivalent to a sect like so many in the world that have often been created for purely financial ends.

Answer (19 January 1998)

In common with other countries sharing the same concerns, the European Union * in particular by making appropriate representations * firmly requested the Russian authorities not to adopt the law in question, emphasizing the central importance attached by the Union to equitable treatment of all religions in accordance with internationally recognized principles, which Russia has undertaken to comply with.

Now that this law has been adopted, the Council will keep a close watch to see that it is applied in accordance with Russia's international commitments, including those undertaken within the Council of Europe.

The Council has not learnt of the occurrence of any cases of persecution of Russian nationals of the Christian or other faiths, following adoption of this law.