WRITTEN QUESTION E-0882/02

by Patricia McKenna (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(3 April 2002)

Subject: Algeria's refusal to issue visas to an EU technical committee

Algeria has signed Articles of Association with the European Union, Article 2 of which states that: the respect of democratic principles and respect for basic

human rights constitute an essential part of this Accord. Only weeks after signing this, the Algerian State has refused to issue visas to a technical committee of the EU (under the EIDHR programme) to oversee civil society representation in Algeria.

What is the Commission's opinion on the fact that this has happened?

Does it intend to propose that the EU Association Agreement be rescinded unless visas are granted to EU officials to oversee the fulfilment of this Agreement?

Answer given by Mr Patten On behalf of the Commission

(23 April 2002)

The Commission confirms that a team of its officials accompanied by a consultant had intended to visit Algeria this February for the purposes of the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR). This was to be a programming mission for title B7-7 of the budget, which finances the EIDHR. Another mission, which did not concern human rights, was also planned.

Because the two teams were to visit Algeria for the purposes of aid or cooperation programmes, Algeria's mission to the European Communities asked for more time to prepare for them. The country's embassy in Belgium gave this as the reason for not issuing the visas requested by the Commission officials.

Further contacts between the Commission and Algeria's mission to the European Communities helped clarify the purpose of the mission to programme activities in support of democratisation and human rights. It was agreed that the Commission delegation would visit Algiers in the latter half of April. The Algerian authorities have given assurances that visas will be issued in good time.

The Commission therefore considers the matter closed.