Doc. 8962

5 February 2001

Consequences of the use of depleted uranium weapons in south-eastern Europe

Written Question No. 389 to the Committee of Ministers

by Mr Kotsonis and others

Taking into account that there is genuine agony and deep concern of governments, parliaments and public opinion all over Europe, and particularly in the Balkans, over the consequences of exposure to radiation and toxic dust as a result of the use of depleted uranium weapons in military operations in former Yugoslavia;

Noting that the scientific community has expressed its great interest in examining the link between the use of depleted uranium in ammunition and the occurrence of leukaemia and other forms of cancer as well as other diseases;

Bearing in mind that south-eastern Europe is of great importance and interest to the Council of Europe, especially at a time when this Organisation has committed itself in helping the region to secure democracy, human dignity, prosperity and sustainable development in the whole region;

Expressing our satisfaction at the fact that the European Union, and particularly the European Parliament, are taking action on the consequences of the use of such weapons,

MM. Kotsonis, Dimas, Damanaki, Katseli, Floros and Pavlidis,

To ask the Committee of Ministers:

1.       if it will urge NATO to give explicit details on the use of these toxic weapons;

2.       how NATO anticipates contributing to the rehabilitation of the environment, the restoration of damages and the compensation of victims, if independent experts determine the link between depleted uranium and the health problems that have occurred;

3.       what initiatives the Committee of Ministers intends to take in co-operation with other international organisations for an early resolution of this crucial and sensitive issue;

4.       whether they envisage the adoption of an internationally binding legal instrument to avoid similar situations in the future, through the strengthening of the existing legal framework.

Signed¹:

Kotsonis, Greece, SOC

Dimas, Greece, EPP/CD

Damanaki, Greece, UEL

Katseli, Greece, SOC

Floros, Greece, SOC

Pavlidis, Greece, EPP/CD

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group