91997E3898

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3898/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (11 December 1997)

Subject: Acts of brutality committed in Somalia by soldiers from EU Member States

With reference to Written Question E-2488/97 by the Honorable Member Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE), in which he asks 'Will the Council say how it intends to react to the reports of unprecedented acts of brutality by soldiers from Member States (and notably, founding members) of the Union, acts which have dealt a devastating blow to its prestige as a whole and which give its declarations about 'protection of human rights' a hollow ring?', will the Council give an immediate response in the light of the findings of an inquiry by the Italian Ministry of Defence and the admission by the editor of 'Panorama' that he was mistaken, in order to prevent any offence to the peace forces sent to Somalia, particularly the illustrious soldiers of Folgore?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (14 January 1998)

The Commission is following developments in the investigation of the accusations of bad treatment inflicted on Somalians by members of the United Nations Restore Hope mission.

The investigation falls within the competence of the countries whose troops participated in the UN mission.

The Commission would emphasise the essential role played by the Union and the countries concerned in sending peace-keeping troops as part of the Restore Hope operation, which saved thousands of human lives.