91997E3540

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3540/97 by Allan Macartney (ARE) to the Commission (12 November 1997)

Subject: ECHO - aid to money to Western Sahara refugees

Can ECHO say exactly how much and what percentage of the aid money to the Western Sahara refugees is used for publications, advertisements and stickers?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (17 December 1997)

Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid ((OJ L 163, 2.7.1996. )) foresees that funds may be used to finance the costs of highlighting the Community nature of aid as well as public awareness and information campaigns aimed at increasing understanding of humanitarian issues, in Europe and in third countries where the Community is funding major humanitarian operations.

Bearing these principles in mind and in accordance with the relevant provisions of the framework partnership contract in the field of humanitarian aid, implementing partners are requested to contribute to the visibility of the humanitarian operations financed by the Community, provided that this does not harm its mandate, its basic principles or the safety of its staff.

As far as aid to the Western Sahara refugees is concerned, the table below expressed in ECU shows the amount and the percentage used for visibility purposes for the years 1996 and 1997.

Humanitarian aid for the refugee sahraouis for Tindouf (Algeria).

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