91999E1587

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1587/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Restoration of historic monuments damaged by the war in Yugoslavia

In June 1999, the Ministers of Culture of the Member States meeting in Weimar decided to call on the Commission to take measures for the restoration of historic monuments in Kosovo. According to the studies by the Icomos, the 160 damaged sites belonging to the European cultural heritage include 13 archaeological sites, 60 monasteries and churches, 1 mosque and many historic buildings and market squares.

Can the Commission answer the following:

1. What funding does it intend to earmark for the restoration work?

2. Have specific restoration programmes been drawn up on the basis of scientific studies, timetables and priorities?

3. Does it intend to cooperate with organisations such as the Icomos and Unesco which are already aware of the issues involved?

4. Will it also provide funding for the restoration of monuments in the remainder of Yugoslavia?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(8 October 1999)

The Commission shares the concern of the Honourable Member about the destructive consequences that the conflict in Kosovo has had on its civil and religious heritage.

As the Honourable Member is aware, the Commission does not itself have competence to take any measures for the protection of Kosovo's cultural heritage. It is of course willing to consider cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) or the International Council of monuments and sites (COMOS) should they undertake any initiative in this regard.

At this time, the priority areas for reconstruction in Kosovo are demining, procurement of essential supplies for rehabilitation of housing and public buildings, customs, village employment and the rehabilitation of Mitrovica hospital.

As for the remainder of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, there has been no destruction of monuments in the territory of the Republic of Montenegro. For the Republic of Serbia, only humanitarian assistance or support for democratisation and independent media is presently available.