Brussels, 21/11/2003 (Agence Europe) - As we may have expected, the Commission of the Bishops' Conference of the European Community (COMECE) reacted immediately to the vote of the European Parliament approving Community funding for research using stem cells from human embryos. COMECE stated that that it was "deeply concerned" and would be urging the Council of Ministers to not approve the use of European funds for research that used human embryos. German Christian Democrat Peter Liese spoke of a "Pyric victory" and his CSU colleague, Inigo Friedrich was disappointed. They were hoping that the Italian, German, Austrian and Portuguese governments would block the draft at the Council of Ministers.
On the other hand, Italian Socialist Massimo Carraro described it as a victory for research and Gérard Caudron (GUE/NGL, France) said that it was a great victory for science against obscurantism. Mr Caudron aid that "The European Parliament, so often mocked by the media, showed today that it was mature and sensible and ability to look to the future". British Liberal Democrat, Nick Clegg, also supported freedom of research, declaring, "Those who have opposed this measure on religious grounds should reflect on the wisdom of imposing their ethical views on the rest of Europe. This measures does not force anything upon national governments, but does give national governments the freedom to make their own choices in this complex area". Belgian Socialist Olga Zrihen declared that by opposing research on stem cells for embryos certain people were seeking to relaunch the debate on abortion and send a political message opposing women's rights, something that had been long time fought for. Fortunately, she added, the majority at Parliament had avoided the trap!