by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the
Commission
(05 June
2002)
Subject: Imprisonment of conscientious objectors in Israel
|
E-1731/02EN
Answer
given by Mr Patten
on behalf
of the Commission
(19 July
2002)
The Commission is keeping a close watch on the fate of Israeli
reservists who are refusing to serve in the Occupied Territories but cannot be
described as conscientious objectors since they have not refused to perform
military service as such.
According to the information available, fewer than 10 reservists are
currently in prison for this reason.
The refusal by some reservists to serve in this way has been accompanied
by a wider movement (petitions, demonstrations, etc) whose aim is to obtain
recognition for Israeli reservists not wishing to serve in the Occupied
Territories. At the beginning of their action the reservists and their movement
expressed the wish to have no contact with the press or foreign diplomats so
that they could not be accused of being manipulated or supported by outsiders.
Whilst taking care not to interfere without reason in internal Israeli
legislation, the Commission intends to follow these developments — as it
does in all situations with a human rights aspect — and, if necessary, to discuss
the matter with the Member States in the appropriate forum.