EUROPE/ITALY - War is the main cause of persisting hunger in the world. Food Security Commission raises alarm

Rome (Fides Service) - Devastating floods in Asia, severe drought in Africa, the greenhouse effect and progressive melting of half of the world’s glaciers are all threats to the world’s food situation, but war remains the main cause of persisting hunger in the world, even more than AIDS. This emerged from the 31st Session of the Food Security Commission at the Rome headquarters of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation FAO which will close on 26 May.
Armed conflict damages not only the countries involved, it also effects neighbour countries and their economies and rendering precarious the life of refugees. Therefore peace is a basic condition for reducing hunger, encouraging investments and furthering economic and social development. War is also the main obstacle to sustainable development. Other elements which undermine efforts to eradicate hunger are natural disasters and diseases effecting plantations and animals. (AP) (25/5/2005 Agenzia Fides; Righe:19; Parole:195)