French Socialist Party denounces 'indifference' to Horn of Africa famine - The French socialist party (PS) has strongly denounced 'the indifference of the international community' towards the famine that has hit countries in the Horn of Africa.

'The indifference towards this tragedy is a scandal which the Socialist Party strongly denounces. The fate of millions of victims should be priority for all. People should mobilise to restore substance for the poorest countries,' it said in a statement signed by its national secretary for cooperation, Francophonie, development aid and human rights, Pouria Amirshahi.

PS called for emergency aid to 'immediately' complete UN food assistance programmes, saying organizations must encourage investments in agriculture.

'It is time to draft new international regulation mechanisms and new rules for trade and cooperation with countries of the South,' PS said.

Millions of people living in the Horn of Africa, particularly Somalia, are faced with famine following drought and armed conflicts in the region which have displaced thousands of people.

Pana 21/07/2011