92002E1482

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1482/02

by Massimo Carraro (PSE) to the Council

(22 May 2002)

Subject: Madagascar

For the past two months Madagascar has been on the verge of civil war as it attempts to uphold the results of the elections of 16 December 2001 which, despite extensive rigging by the dictator Ratsiraka, were won by Ravalomanana.

Regrettably, until now the international community has not taken any action to firmly condemn the serious events in Madagascar. The work of defending people's rights and civilised values has in fact been carried out in the country with great courage by missionaries, and in particular by Ursuline nuns who have been present in Madagascar since 1960.

Given the above, will the Council explain what the European Union intends to do to restore democracy and prevent a worsening of the situation in Madagascar?

In view of the important and delicate work done by the Ursuline sisters and the many European missionaries in Madagascar, will the Council explain how the European Union intends to promote the efforts of the religious to uphold democracy and defend the hard-hit populations in the areas affected by the conflict?

Reply

(5 November 2002)

The EU has attentively observed recent developments in Madagascar following the Presidential elections. Already on 17 April it issued its first declaration expressing concern over the deterioration of the situation in Madagascar and condemning the outbreaks of violence and human rights violations.

In the light of the impasse the situation had reached, the EU noted with satisfaction the initiative taken by the OAU and the UN with the assistance of Presidents Wade, Kerekou, Gbagbo and Chissano that led to the agreement signed by Mr Ratsiraka and Mr Ravalomanana in Dakar on 18 April. Noting that the implementation of the agreement was lagging and that violence on the island had increased, the EU again on 8 May expressed regrets that certain provincial governors had declared the independence of their provinces and it reiterated its conviction that the Dakar agreement remained the appropriate framework for achieving a solution. In its decision of 9 July 2002, the African Union firmly stressed the urgent need to organise elections and to define institutional arrangements enabling the transition to be ensured.

For its part, in its declaration of 11 July 2002, the European Union supported President Ravalomanana and stated its willingness to support preparations for the Parliamentary elections he announced and the reconciliation process. It will also contribute substantially towards Madagascar's reconstruction.

On 26 July 2002 the World Bank and the UNDP invited donors to meet in Paris with a view to promoting Madagascar's reconstruction. The European Commission took part in that meeting.