Brussels, September 4, 2008 - The European Parliament voted today on a joint motion for a resolution regarding "Maternal Mortality", document co-signed by the Romanian MEP Renate Weber, on behalf of ALDE Group.

The MEPs are expressing their strong concern over the fact that "Maternal Mortality (MDG 5) is the only MDG on which not only has there been no progress since 2000, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia".

The resolution calls on the Council and Commission - ahead of the UN High Level Event, 25 September which reviews the Millenium Development Goals - to prioritise action for improvement of maternal health (MDG 5).

At the same time, through this resolution, the EP calls on the Council and Commission to reduce the disparity between maternal mortality rates in industrialised and developing countries, through increased investment and action to improve human resources for health, and greater resources and commitment for strengthening health systems and basic health infrastructure.

Also today, the EP plenary voted favorably on three emergency resolutions for which Renate Weber was signatory from the ALDE Group:

- Coup in Mauritania

- Hangings in Iran

- Albino Killings in Tanzania

For details, please consult the text (in English/French) of the mentioned draft resolutions, attached to this press release.