91998E0533

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0533/98 by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE) to the Commission (2 March 1998)

Subject: Aid to the Mexican Government to investigate the Acteal massacre

On 22 December 1997 a massacre was committed in the village of Acteal, in the province of Chiapas, Mexico, which shocked the whole world. To find the perpetrators of this act and ascertain the reasons for it, the Mexican Government has launched large-scale investigations throughout the country. Efforts have also been made to organize aid for the inhabitants of Acteal.

In view of the above, what measures has the Commission taken to organize humanitarian aid to those suffering as a result of the disaster and to offer expert aid to the Mexican Government to clear up the crime?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (31 March 1998)

After the tragic events of Acteal in December 1997 and in line with the resolution adopted by the Parliament on this subject in January 1998, the Commission examined the possibility of providing humanitarian aid for the population uprooted as a result of the massacre. On 19 February 1998, the Commission approved an humanitarian aid package totalling 1.45 MECU.

The aid will be channelled through the German and Spanish Red Cross and the non governmental organisation (NGO) Medicos del Mundo, in collaboration with local NGOs (Mexican Red Cross and Caritas Mexico). Activities envisaged under this decision include food and medical aid as well as provisional shelter for the affected population.