The EDM reads: "This House urges the Government to show its concern for all affected by the use of chemical weapons by proposing to the United Nations that 10th August, the day on which spraying of Agent Orange in Viet Nam began, be set aside each year as an international day to commemorate all who have died still suffer illnesses and physical disabilities from chemical weapons; and calls on the Government to lead a world-wide ban on chemical weapons, with destruction of all existing stocks being destroyed."

Regarding the British MPs' support, Len Aldis, Secretary of the Britain-Viet Nam Friendship Society, said this is good and welcome news for the many hundreds of thousands of victims who are suffering from the effects of the use of chemical weapons, particularly victims of Agent Orange in Viet Nam.

He said he hoped that the EDM 605 will also gain support from Members of the European Parliament."

Aldis has received positive replies from some members of the European Parliament who are willing to support a Written Declaration to be discussed at the European Parliament.

Aldis also called for support from organisations in other countries to draft similar texts with their parliamentary representatives, as the EDM will require an international campaign to achieve an international day.--Enditem