92002E0245(01)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0245/02

by Maurizio Turco (NI) to the Commission

(6 February 2002)

Subject: Clarifications concerning the answer to the written questions on the review of action taken in Afghanistan pursuant to the various objectives set out in the Council common position of 22 January 2001

The Commission decided to provide a single answer to Written Questions E-3220/01 E-3252/01(1) on the review of action taken in Afghanistan pursuant to the Council common position of 22 January 2001. It emerges from this answer that, apart from humanitarian aid and a number of declarations, the commitment entered into has not been fulfilled (the Commission intends to direct its action towards achieving the objectives of the common position Article 7).

Therefore, the simple question posed in each of the written questions is being asked once again:

What practical action did the Commission take prior to the events of 11 September with a view to achieving the individual objectives stated in the Council's common position? In particular how much European funding (in euro) was spent between 1 January and 11 September 2001, how much was earmarked for activities in Afghanistan and under what heading (budget item and project title), to whom were the sums paid and which of them were subject to controls and/or checks and by whom, and what were the results?

(1) OJ C 160 E, 4.7.2002, p. 76.

Supplementary answergiven by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(27 August 2002)

Between 1 January 2001 and 11 September 2001, only two budgetary instruments were used for carrying out Community actions in Afghanistan. These are, on the one hand, humanitarian aid and, on the other hand, aid to uprooted people. All the sums were paid to either International Organisations (such as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or Red Cross) or non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

The rest of the detailed information concerning Community funding during this period requested by the Honourable Member is displayed in the tables sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

All projects, were subject to the standard checks and auditing procedures provided for in the standard conditions of the contracts. These operations are carried out, either directly by the Commission services or by external auditors. The results were fully in line with the objectives provided for in Article 1 of the Common position.