6 November 1991

Doc. 6527

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 340

by Mr Tummers

on Yugoslavia

      On 15 October 1991, a joint meeting was held of the Political Committee and the Defence Committee of the Assembly of Western European Union, where a discussion took place on the Yugoslav question. At that meeting it was stated that once a cease-fire and an arms embargo have been established, it is to be expected that other means and methods of destruction will be sought and developed. Among them will be the deployment of the national cultural heritage as a weapon as well as a target. Another question raised at the meeting was whether the peace-keeping force to be created is to include specialists on cultural heritage matters who are familiar with its misuse and abuse. Finally, it was asked whether the expertise of the Council of Europe was to be put to good use. The Presidency of the WEU Council replied positively.

Mr TUMMERS,

      Having learned of the decision of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe of 8 October 1991 to suspend co-operation with the Yugoslav authorities (see Doc. 6524);

      Believing that social, cultural and economic considerations are part of the political and human problem involved;

      To ask the Committee of Ministers:

      - Why it has taken this decision, precisely at the moment when sanctions are expected to be imposed in a broader framework.

      - Whether this decision will leave sufficient room to draw the attention of the Yugoslav authorities to the obligations ensuing from the signing of conventions, notably the European Cultural Convention.

      Signed: TUMMERS