91998E2107

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2107/98

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(10 July 1998)

Subject: Nuclear tests

Following the recent nuclear tests in Asia, there is deep apprehension about Turkey's cooperation with Pakistan on their nuclear programmes and about the increase in Turkish activity in the nuclear power sector. Reactors are being set up in areas which are particularly prone to earthquake (Akkuyu in Turkey). Fears have also been voiced that the Akkuyu reactors are not only designed to generate electricity but also to transform the country into a nuclear power.

1. In regard to the construction of the reactors at Akkuyu, is the Commission aware of the risks of a possible severe earth tremor, and

2. will the Commission do everything within its power to monitor any aid which Turkey or any other countries provide Pakistan for the production of nuclear weapons?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(18 September 1998)

The Honourable Member is referred to the Commission's answer to Written Question E-1876/98 by Mr Kaklamanis(1).

The Commission has no competence to participate in site selection processes. Turkey's authorities, and in particular its nuclear regulatory body - the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEA) - are responsible for such selection, within the general framework of guidance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The future Akkuyu nuclear power station is designed for civilian use to meet Turkey's growing demand for electricity. The contractual relations between the Community and Turkey do not allow the Commission to cooperate with Turkey on nuclear energy.

Turkey is party to the Treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. It is the responsibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure that Turkey does not abuse the peaceful use of nuclear energy for military purposes, particularly in its relations with third countries which have not signed the Non-proliferation Treaty.

In the wake of the recent earthquake in the Adana region, the Turkish authorities have confirmed that every measure has been taken to make the future Akkuyu power station secure. No building has yet commenced on site and the consortium chosen to undertake the work should have been made public in August.

(1) See page 12.