Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-11-29-Speech-4-029"

Predicate	Value (sorted: default)
rdf:type	lpv_eu:Speech2
dcterms:Date	"2001-11-29"^^xsd:date2
dcterms:Is Part Of	lp_eu:Human genetics2
dcterms:Language	"el"^^xsd:language2
lpv:document identification number	"en.20011129.1.4-029"2
lpv:hasSubsequent	lp_eu:2001-11-29-Speech-4-0302
lpv:speaker	lp:Konstantinos Alyssandrakis2
lpv:spokenAs	vice-chair; Delegation to the EU-Cyprus Joint Parliamentary Committee (1999-07-22--2002-01-14)3 substitute; Committee on Culture, Youth, Education, the Media and Sport (1999-07-21--2002-01-14)3 member; Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy (1999-07-21--2002-01-14)3 member; EUL/NGL (1999-07-20--2004-07-19)3 unknown; Kommounistiko Komma Elladas (1999-07-20--2004-07-19)3
lpv:translated text	"Mr President, it is mankind's misfortune, in my view, that recent discoveries in the field of biotechnology have come at a time when the capitalist system still prevails. With the inhumane, exploitative regime under which we live today, where discoveries such as this come second to the quest for profit, it is pie in the sky to imagine they might be used for the benefit of mankind. On the contrary, we must expect them to serve the interests of monopolies in this sector. It will come as no surprise to us, for example, if a market in human ovaries, embryos and stem cells springs up or if new therapies are only available to those with plenty of hard cash. In all events, ladies and gentlemen, we must proceed very cautiously with genetic engineering. I for one cannot overlook the fact that life took a billion years to develop on our planet and evolved by natural selection. Now we can intervene in the evolutionary process and we may perhaps see the immediate results, but we have no idea what will happen in one million year's time. And if you think that is a rather long time frame, may I assure you, as an astronomer, that the sun will be in the sky for another 4.5 billion years. We also face the depraved phenomenon of applications for patents on living organisms and human genomes. Our view is clear. It should not be possible to patent any part of the human body, not one cell, not one atom. We are also categorically opposed to the use of genetic codes by employers, insurance companies, secret services etc. The Fiori report contains interesting and useful views on a number of questions. In several articles it points to the risks inherent in commercialisation, especially for the less well off sections of the population. However, in the final analysis, it remains, to a large degree, within the confines of competitiveness and takes an almost neutral stand on the legal issue. Let the debate which we are bringing to a close today mark the beginning of a more general reflection on the problem and the starting point for a more responsible stand on these issues."@en1

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