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Middle East: Weapons
Lord Kennet asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Which states in the Middle East either have or are developing (a) nuclear weapons; (b) chemical weapons; (c) biological weapons; (d) long range platforms from which to deliver such weapons; (e) anti-ballistic or anti-cruise missile systems; or (f) surveillance information, of their own or provided to them by others, for purposes of identification and targeting; and which other states have such weapons there.
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: Iraq's attempts to develop nuclear, biological and chemical weapons are well documented. We are concerned that a number of other states in the region are suspected of having or seeking to develop nuclear, biological or chemical weapons and the means with which we deliver them. A number of surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft weapons in the area are potentially capable of use against cruise missiles, but there is no indigenously developed anti-ballistic missile system deployed by states in the region. The question of deployments in the area by other states, is a matter for their respective governments.
Diego Garcia
Lord Kennet asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they have given permission to the United States to make use of Diego Garcia in connection with an attack on Iraq; and whether this permission is conditional on United Nations Security Council approval of such attack.
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: Iraq has unconditionally agreed to allow UNSCOM weapons inspectors to return and resume their vital work. It is not sensible to speculate on military action at this stage.
Lord Kennet asked Her Majesty's Government:
- What was the text of the draft resolution which the British Government sought and failed to introduce into the Security Council in September 1996, which appears to have borne on the use of the British territory of Diego Garcia in connection with US attacks on Iraq.
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The draft resolution referred to by the noble Lord expressed concern at Iraqi activity against its minorities, especially the Iraqi Kurds. It had no relevance to Diego Garcia.
Sudan: UK Entry Visa Applications
Baroness Cox asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they have received any requests by people representing the Government of Sudan for visas for entry to the United Kingdom in order to attend a conference in London next week; and, if so, whether they consider it appropriate to issue such visas or whether this would be in contravention of existing United Nations sanctions.
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: We have received a number of such applications, each of which will be considered on its merits in the light of our regulations and UN SCR 1054. Only those applications which satisfy the immigration regulations, and fall within categories permitted by the UN, will be authorised.
Bosnia: UK Supply of Armoured Range Rover
Lord Rea asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they have approved an export licence for the supply of an armoured Range Rover to the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia.
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: We recently approved the export of a light-armour-plated Range Rover to the Office of the High Representative (OHR) in Bosnia to help protect staff and visitors at the OHR who need to travel in the region as part of their normal duties. Given the important contribution made by the OHR to the international community's peace-keeping efforts in Bosnia, we were glad to be able to approve this export as an exception to our interpretation of the EU arms embargo on the former Yugoslavia. This decision does not affect our continued support of the EU common position on arms exports to the former Yugoslavia.
Small Arms Trafficking
Lord Rea asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they will make available to the House a copy of the Report of the United Nations Panel of Government Experts on Small Arms.
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: A copy of the report of the United Nations Panel of Experts on Small Arms has been placed in the Libraries of the House. We endorse the panel's recommendations and urge other states to do likewise. The ready availability of small arms in several regions across the world contributes to serious problems of instability. Illicit transfers are the most common sources of supply. We strongly support the EU programme for preventing and combating illicit trafficking in conventional arms and intend to take it forward vigorously during the UK Presidency of the EU in the first half of 1998. As an initial step, the Department for International Development will fund a seminar in Southern Africa to look at how we and others might assist affected countries in practical measures to combat the problems caused by illicit small arms trafficking.
EU Council: Forthcoming Business
Lord Williams of Elvel asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for December, and list major European Union events for the next six months.
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean:
| Date | Location | Event |
| December 1997 | ||
| 1 | Brussels | Ecofin Council |
| 1 | Brussels | Telecommunications Council |
| 4 | Brussels | Health Council |
| 4-5 | Brussels | Justice & Home Affairs Council |
| 8 | Brussels | Energy Council |
| 8-9 | Brussels | General Affairs Council |
| 10-11 | Brussels | Transport Council |
| 12-13 | Luxembourg | European Council |
| 15 | Brussels | Social Affairs Council |
| 15-16 | Brussels | Agriculture Council |
| 16-17 | Brussels | Environment Council |
| 18-19 | Copenhagen | OSCE Ministerial Council |
| 18-19 | Brussels | Fisheries Council |
The following subjects are likely to be discussed:
Approval of the agenda.
December 1: Telecommunications Council
Approval of the list of A items.
Preparation of Stage 3 of European Monetary Union:
Follow-up to the Amsterdam European Council.
Date of introduction of euro notes and coins (possible item).
Adoption of common position on the Regulation on technical characteristics of coins (possible item).
Taxation policy.
Fiscalis programme.
Export credits (possible item).
Adoption of the agenda.
4 Dec 1997 : Column WA206
Approval of the list of A points.
Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 97/33/EC with regard to operator number portability and carrier pre-selection: Common position.
Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a multiannual Community programme to stimulate the establishment of the Information Society in Europe: Adoption.
Internet: Open debate.
Proposal for a Council decision adopting a multiannual Community action plan to promote safe use of the Internet: Presentation by Commission.
Communication from the Commission to the Council: "Ensuring security and trust in electronic communication towards a European framework for digital signatures and encryption": Council conclusions.
Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive on connected telecommunications equipment and the mutual recognition of the conformity of equipment: Progress report.
Communication from the Commission: "Strategy and guidelines on the further development of mobile and wireless communications": Exchange of views--Council conclusions.
Communication from the Commission on the implementation of the telecommunications regulatory package: First update--Presentation by the Commission.
Green paper on the regulatory implications of convergence in the telecommunications, audiovisual and information technology sectors: Presentation by the Commission.
Other business: Contribution from the United Kingdom delegation on the problems posed by the coming of the millennium.
- Approval of the agenda.
Adoption of the list of A items.
Tobacco advertising: Common position.
Rare diseases: Orientation debate.
Pollution related diseases--Injury prevention.
Women's health: Adoption of Resolution.
Green Paper on Food Law and Commission Communication on consumer health and food safety: Orientation debate.
Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies: Orientation debate.
European Union/United States taskforce on communicable diseases: Orientation debate.
Draft recommendation on screening donors and donations: Presentation by the Commission.
Any other business.
- Adoption of the agenda.
Approval of the list of A items.
Fight against organised crime:
Draft joint action to create a Judicial Contact Network.
Draft joint action to establish a mechanism for evaluating the application and implementation at national level of international undertakings in the fight against organised crime.
Draft joint action making it a criminal offence to participate in a criminal organisation in the Member States of the European Union.
Draft joint action on making corruption in the private sector a criminal offence.
Draft joint action establishing a programme of exchanges, training and cooperation for persons responsible for action to combat organised crime (Falcone Programme).
Report on the state of organised crime in the European Union in 1996.
Europol: Trafficking in human beings.
Draft convention on mutual assistance in criminal matters between the Member States of the European Union.
Customs co-operation:
Draft Convention on mutual assistance and co-operation between Customs Administrations (Naples II).
Draft resolution adopting a strategic programme for the Customs Administrations (3rd Pillar).
Draft Convention on driving disqualifications.
Draft Convention on jurisdiction, recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters (Brussels II).
Preparation of structured dialogue:
Draft annotated agenda for the meeting with the Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs.
Rule of law.
Eurodac:
Draft Convention concerning the establishment of "Eurodac" for the comparison of fingerprints of applicants for asylum.
Technical specifications and financial aspects.
Temporary protection.
Influx of immigrants from Iraq.
Draft joint action introducing a programme of training, exchanges and co-operation in the field of asylum, immigration, and crossing of external borders (Odysseus Programme).
Draft Resolution laying down the priorities for co-operation in the field of Justice and Home Affairs for the period from 1 January 1998 to the date of entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam.
Achievements in the field of Justice and Home Affairs during 1997 (Draft report to the European Council).
Other business.
- Gas liberalisation: Common position.
Energy Framework: Commission presentation.
ALTENER II: Decision.
SYNERGY: Renewal for 1998.
Renewables: Commission presentation on White Paper.
Co-generation: Resolution on Commission report.
Energy Charter Treaty: Progress report.
- Adoption of A points.
EP Resolutions of 17/21 November.
Preparation for European Council in Luxembourg.
Agenda 2000.
Post-Amsterdam: Policy Planning Cell.
OSCE: Copenhagen Ministerial.
Mediterranean Policy: Negotiating Mandates for Syria.
World Trade Organisation: Financial Services Negotiations.
Transatlantic Relations: Reports on European Union/United States and European Union/Canada Summits.
Relations with Switzerland (Possible item).
Russia: Co-operation Council (Possible item).
Former Yugoslavia: Political situation and Autonomous Trade measures.
Middle East Peace Process (Possible item).
European Union Armaments Policy (Possible A point).
Any other business.
- Mandates for Maritime negotiations with India and China: For adoption.
Amendment to Directive 95/21 on Port State Control: Political agreement.
Maritime external relations: Progress report.
Extension of maritime cabotage regulation to European Economic Area: Debate.
Aviation negotiations with the United States: Debate.
European Aviation Safety Authority: Debate.
Air Traffic Management: Progress report.
Airport Charging Directive: Progress report.
Directive on Cabin Crew Training: Progress report.
Overflying of Serbia: Debate.
Agreement with EUROCONTROL and ESA on satellite navigation: For Council agreement.
Directive on Heavy Goods Vehicle Taxation and charging: For common position.
Negotiations with Switzerland: Commission report.
Directive on Vehicle Registration Documents: For Political agreement.
- Agenda not yet available.
- Approval of the agenda.
Adoption of A points (possible item).
Proposal for a Council Directive on the framework agreement on part-time work: Adoption.
Commission Proposal for guidelines on the employment policy of Member States in 1998: Possible adoption.
Draft Council Decision establishing community activities on research, analysis and co-operation in the field of employment and labour market: Adoption.
Follow-up to the Davignon report: Employee involvement in the European Company Stature: Debate.
Extension of Directives 94/45/EC (European Works Council) and 96/34/EC (Parental Leave) to the United Kingdom: Adoption.
Proposal for a Council Regulation amending the (EEC) Regulation No. 1408/71 on social security for migrant workers (extension to all insured persons): Adoption.
Commission White Paper on the sectors excluded from the Working Time Directive: Debate.
Proposal for a Council Directive on the burden of proof of discrimination cases on the basis of sex: Final adoption.
Follow-up to the fourth World Conference on women (Peking, September 1995): Presidency report.
Other business:
Commission presentation of the European Court of Justice judgment in Marschall.
Commission presentation of Community Action Plan for Free Movement of Workers.
Commission presentation of draft directive on transferability of occupational pensions.
Commission presentation of extension of Regulation 1408/71 to Third-Countries Nationals.
- Agenda not yet available.
- Agenda not yet available.
- Agenda not yet available.
- Annual total allowable catches.
Fisheries guide prices.
This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue.
| Date | Location | Event |
| December 1997 | ||
| 1 | Brussels | Ecofin Council |
| 1 | Brussels | Telecommunications Council |
| 2 | Brussels | Political Committee |
| 3-4 | Brussels | European Parliament Plenary |
| 4 | Brussels | Health Council |
| 4-5 | Brussels | Justice & Home Affairs Council |
| 8 | Brussels | Energy Council |
| 8-9 | Brussels | General Affairs Council |
| 10-11 | Brussels | Transport Council |
| 12-13 | Luxembourg | European Council |
| 15 | Brussels | Social Affairs Council |
| 15-16 | Brussels | Agriculture Council |
| 15-19 | Strasbourg | European Parliament Plenary |
| 16-17 | Brussels | Environment Council |
| 18-19 | Copenhagen | OSCE Ministerial Council |
| 18-19 | Brussels | Fisheries Council |
| January 1998 | ||
| 1 | UK Presidency commences | |
| 8 | London | Visit of College of Commissioners |
| 12 | Brussels | Fisheries Council (tbc) |
| 12-16 | Strasbourg | European Parliament Plenary |
| 15 | Brussels | Political Committee |
| 19 | Brussels | Ecofin Council |
| 19-20 | Brussels | Agriculture Council |
| 26-27 | Brussels | General Affairs Council |
| 28-29 | Brussels | European Parliament Plenary |
| 29-30 | Birmingham | Justice & Home Affairs Council (Informal) |
| February 1998 | ||
| 3 | Brussels | Political Committee |
| 9-11 | Costa Rica | EU/San Jose Group |
| 12 | Brussels | Research Council |
| 12-13 | Panama | EU/Rio Group |
| 12-13 | London | Political Committee |
| 13-15 | Cambridge | Internal Market (Informal) |
| 16 | Brussels | Ecofin Council |
| 16-17 | Brussels | Agriculture Council |
| 16-20 | Strasbourg | European Parliament Plenary |
| 23-24 | Brussels | General Affairs Council |
| 26 | Brussels | Telecom Council |
| March 1998 | ||
| 3 | Brussels | Political Committee |
| 9 | Brussels | Ecofin Council (tbc) |
| 9-13 | Strasbourg | European Parliament Plenary |
| 13-14 | London | Joint Social & Education (Informal) |
| 14-15 | Edinburgh | Foreign Ministers' Informal |
| 15-17 | Manchester | Seminar for Cultural Ministers |
| 16-17 | Brussels | Agriculture Council |
| 17 | Brussels | Transport Council |
| 19 | Brussels | Political Committee |
| 19 | Brussels | Justice & Home Affairs Council |
| 20-22 | York | Ecofin Informal |
| 23 | Brussels | Environment Council |
| 24 | Brussels | Fisheries Council |
| 30 | Brussels | Internal Market Council |
| 30-31 | Brussels | General Affairs Council |
| 30-31 | Strasbourg | European Parliament Plenary |
| 31-1 April | Moscow | G8 Energy Ministerial |
| April 1998 | ||
| 1-3 | Strasbourg | European Parliament Plenary |
| 2-4 | London | ASEM II |
| 6 | Luxembourg | Social Affairs Council |
| 7 | Brussels | Political Committee |
| 16 | Brussels | Political Committee |
| 20-21 | Luxembourg | Agriculture Council |
| 21 | Luxembourg | Ecofin Council |
| 23 | Luxembourg | Consumer Affairs Council |
| 24-26 | Chester | Environment & Transport (Informal) |
| 27-28 | Luxembourg | General Affairs Council |
| 29-30 | Brussels | European Parliament |
| 30 | Luxembourg | Health Council |
| May 1998 | ||
| 5 | Brussels | Political Committee (tbc) |
| 7 | Brussels | Industry Council |
| 10-12 | Newcastle | Agriculture (Informal) |
| 11 | Brussels | Energy Council |
| 11 | Brussels | Euro-Med Energy Ministerial |
| 12 | Brussels | Political Committee |
| 11-15 | Strasbourg | European Parliament Plenary |
| 18 | Brussels | Development Council |
| 18 | Brussels | Internal Market |
| 19 | Brussels | Telecommunications Council |
| 25-26 | Brussels | General Affairs Council |
| 25 | Brussels | Agriculture Council |
| 27-28 | Brussels | European Parliament Plenary |
| 28-29 | Brussels | Justice & Home Affairs Council |
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