Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2000-01-20-Speech-4-176"
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"en.20000120.11.4-176"2
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"For over 300 000 of my compatriots, Venezuela is a land of opportunity for a better life which has welcomed them with open arms. The same has happened with hundreds of thousands of other European emigrants. As a matter of fact, over 70% of the Portuguese immigrants in Venezuela have come from my region of Madeira.
This close link means that we have watched this disaster unfold with much sadness and emotion. It has also generated a great feeling of solidarity and it was therefore very pleasing to hear the Commission announce the provision of humanitarian aid. However, the extent of the tragedy which is now apparent has demonstrated the inadequacy of this aid. Venezuela is facing the greatest natural disaster to have occurred in Latin America in the twentieth century. We already know that at least 15 000 people have died and hundreds of thousands have lost their homes. The physical damage is estimated at between USD 10 and 20 billion and 230 000 jobs have been lost.
In view of these incredible and tragic figures, the European Union must substantially increase its show of solidarity with Venezuela. This is why I have tabled a motion for a resolution in this House. The European Parliament, as the representative of the people of Europe, must show its grief and its solidarity. Parliament must also encourage the Commission to increase the humanitarian aid in order to meet the overwhelming needs in areas such as medical care, water, public health, food and so on. We also propose that the Commission prepares a medium-term action plan for the reconstruction of the infrastructure and housing given that the recovery of the affected area could take more than seven years. This plan must also encourage and stimulate the resumption of economic activities through financial incentives, subsidised loans and specialised assistance. We also call on the Commission to make every effort to mobilise the means needed to carry out these actions. We must not be satisfied with good intentions.
This is the least that we can do for the victims of these floods."@en1
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