TONGE: THE REAL WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION

4.42.15pm GMT Wed 19th Mar 2003

The Liberal Democrat Spring Conference in Torquay unanimously backed a motion calling on the Catholic Church to end its opposition to the use of condoms to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The motion also called on the UK Government to press the US to pay the UN the $34 million contribution it currently withholds from the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Speaking after the debate, on Saturday March 15, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, Dr Jenny Tonge MP, said:"Washington and the Vatican have fatally compromised the fight against HIV/AIDS."

This is potentially the most dangerous weapon of mass destruction confronting our planet.

It is bound to destroy hundreds of millions of lives, wrecking entire continents. "The time has come for the Catholic church to not only end its opposition to condoms, but to actively promote them as the only practical weapon in the war against HIV/AIDS."

"If President Bush is serious about confronting the threats to international security he must count the HIV virus amongst the world's weapons of mass destruction. He must pay the $34 million he is withholding from the UN to fight this devastating epidemic."