Human Rights or political expiediency?

Following the discovery that Commissioner Vassiliou appears to have breached the rules set down by the European Charter of Fundamental Rights, Godfrey Bloom has just put in a follow up question to the Commission.

What is the Commission's position regarding the statements made by Mrs Vassiliou, where she confirmed that she would "to commit today not to accept any invitation coming from the tobacco industry or those working to prefer its interest while I hold this office" (Statement made July 15th in the European Parliament)?

Is the Commission aware that this position by the Commissioner is in direct contravention of the European Charter of Human Rights, especially

Article 20 Equality before the law Everyone is equal before the law.

Article 11, Freedom of expression and information. Para 1. Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers.

and

Article 41, Right to good administration.

Para2. This right includes: the right of every person to be heard, before any individual measure which would affect him or her adversely is taken.

Does the Commission believe that its own staff and officials should abide by the provisions of the Charter?

If not will it provide a list of exemptions?

I will of course let you know when (and if) this is answered...