Mr President, I welcome this joint motion for a resolution on the Cairo Conference, and I wish to congratulate Mrs d'Ancona on chairing the compromise conference.

It is essential that we move forward from here on a positive rather than a critical note: we need to highlight the fight against poverty, the continuing need to tackle famine and the disastrous consequences it has on the families in the poorest countries. The reappearance of certain endemic diseases and the highly contagious pneumonic plague that has killed more than 50 people in the Indian State of Surat must be given priority.

In her joint resolution we have recognized that the Cairo Conference must be regarded as a sign of universal solidarity and proof of the mature awareness of the common destiny of all the people on the earth. The European Union must step up its efforts to devise a sustainable development model which will tackle poverty, famine, disease and the millstone of indebtedness that drive the poorest of the poor further into the ground.

Women play a vital role in the family. This is the basic unit of society which should be supported and protected, given the protection it affords to both young and old. We therefore welcome the recognition given to the pivotal role of women in this debate, and their crucial position in development.

I wish to draw attention also to another aspect, namely infant and maternal mortality. Improved education and access to health care are fundamental objectives in tackling infant and maternal mortality. I fully subscribe to the recommendations arising from the Conference that the formulation and implementation of population policies are the responsibility of each country and should take into account the economic, social, environmental and cultural diversity of conditions in each country, including religious beliefs and ethical values. The goal of education, especially for girls, is of central importance.