Brussels, 05/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - In a resolution common to the EPP-ED, PES, ALDE, UEN, Greens and GUE/NGL groups adopted on Thursday 4 September, the European Parliament condemns the assassination of albinos in Tanzania and the trade in albino body parts for profit-making purposes. It nonetheless welcomes the condemnation by the Tanzanian president, Jakay Mrisho Kikwete, of these assassinations and his promise to focus efforts on putting an end to such crimes. The EP backs and welcomes the measures already taken by the Tanzanian government which is seeking to set up a census of albinos and establish a police service to escort albino children. Also, it supports the request by Tanzanian members of parliament who call for the government to adopt more extensive measures to tackle the problem at its root and to put an end to all discrimination against albinos. Calling on the national and local authorities as well as on the civil society to cooperate in protecting all albinos, it invites the Tanzanian government to take immediate measures to heighten the society's awareness of the problem and inform it on the subject of albinism. Such measures should be implemented in rural areas where the population tends to be less educated and more superstitious. Finally, it calls on the Commission to support the efforts made by the UNDP aimed at promoting and protecting albinos in Africa. (E.H./transl.jl)