Strasbourg, 22/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - The rarity of the event makes it worthy of note. On Tuesday 21 April, the European Parliament decided not to take a stance on the situation in the Arctic region where climate change has sharpened the appetite of several member states and third countries for mineral resources and supposed fossil fuel reserves there. Other economic interests are concerned by the thaw of the ice and the appearance of new shipping routes (north-west passage). With 135 votes to 74 and 2 abstentions, the Parliament decided to withdraw this point from the agenda. British Liberal Democrat Diana Wallis had defended this position saying that the debate (held during the previous session in Brussels) was insufficient. Belgian Socialist Véronique De Keyser sought in vain to oppose withdrawal. (O.J./transl.jl)