Parliament's adopts positive but improvable position on Millennium Development Goals
Date
Sections
Reacting to Parliament's adoption of a report on the Millennium Development Goals, GUE/NGL German MEP Gabi Zimmer said that "with the approval of the Cashman report, we send a strong signal to EU Member States that they cannot relinquish their responsibilities in the fight against poverty and hunger" adding that while the report contains positive and realistic demands it "does not go far enough".
"I would have gone further and demanded that the EU cannot sign off on agreements unless they contribute in one way or another to the fulfilment of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015" Zimmer said. "The EU is likely to fall 20 billion Euros short of its aid commitment while poverty is on the rise, especially in sub-Saharan Africa".
Despite efforts by conservatives to water down the report, the final text criticises the alarming decline in funding for the protection of sexual and reproductive rights in developing countries and expresses support for voluntary family planning, safe abortion, the treatment of sexually transmitted infections and the provision of contraceptives, including condoms.
"With today's vote, Parliament has clarified its position ahead of the Summit of EU leaders at the end of the week and in advance of the UN mid-term review of the goals due in September" Zimmer concluded.
Final vote: 353 in favour, 206 against
GUE/NGL PRESS CONTACTS:
David Lundy + 32 485 50 58 12
Gianfranco Battistini + 32 475 64 66 28
Sonja Giese + 32 486 94 50 21
Gauche Unitaire Européenne / Gauche Verte Nordique
European United Left / Nordic Green Left