Scientific research is key to depleted uranium conclusions - Commission and Council
In a statement to the European Parliament on 17 January, the European Commission and the Council of Ministers stressed that the EU is seeking to determine whether a link exists between the use of depleted uranium and illness. Javier Solana, High Representative of Council promised to provide Parliament with all information as and when it is available, but underlined that any conclusion should be based on scientific evidence and not on mere hypothesis. 'We must base our conclusions on fact not supposition. To consider the facts, we must have access to all the information available [...]. Once we have the facts, they must be analysed in such a way as to inspire confidence in the findings,' said Mr Solana. These words came after NATO's confirmation on 16 January that its medical advisers have found no evidence in current medical data to suggest that depleted uranium munitions can cause cancer. European Commissioner for the Environment, Margot Wallström, also emphasised that there is as yet no unanimous scientific position on the effects of depleted uranium, but added that when further information is available, the Commission will be deciding what action to take and whether to adapt its environmental programmes in the region. MEPs welcomed the statement's recognition of the need to obtain scientific evidence as soon as possible. Jim Fitzsimmons (Ireland) drew attention to the massive increase in the cases of cancer in the region. The people of the Balkans are entitled to full answers, he stressed, and the EU should be vigorous in addressing this problem. Paul Lannoye (Belgium) asserted that the EU should not delay action until it is satisfied that a link does not exist, but should take action now. Javier Solana promised to return to Parliament to re-assess the question on the basis of further information at the end of the month.
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