91998E0359

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0359/98 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (24 February 1998)

Subject: Extension of deadline for tabling proposals regarding the programme for the return of refugees to Bosnia

At the workshop held in Brussels on 23 January 1998 concerning the 1998 programme for the return of refugees Bosnia Herzigovina, the Commission asked Member States to submit proposals by 19 February 1998.

Since the proposal will include measures for the rebuilding or repaid or homes, local water and power supply networks, etc. together with the relevant social and financial measures would the Commission consider extending this deadline since a considerable amount of preparation and research will be necessary if sound proposal are to be made in this connection.

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (18 March 1998)

The Commission is not investigating the possibility of an extension of the deadline for submission of projects for its assistance programme in favour of the return of refugees and displaced persons to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The information document of 600 pages forwarded to the participants of the workshop on the above mentioned programme (held on 23 January 1998 in Brussels) contained material for the preparation of projects as well as sample projects. More guidance was given in follow-up seminars. For those who already have experience in reconstruction and return programmes the deadline should not pose a problem.

Given the need to start reconstruction by the beginning of the construction period in early April 1998, the Commission cannot allow a longer preparation time. The remaining weeks until April are needed for the selection of the most appropriate projects and the conclusion of the contracts as well as the unavoidable administrative procedures to obtain the approval of Member States (and the Commission) to the programme.

Nevertheless, additional funds for the follow-up to possible political breakthroughs are set aside as requested by the office of the United Nations high representative.