Protest March in Delhi, against India-EU FTA- AFFECTS ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE ARVs.

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Post on behalf of and with the permission of the president of DNP+ (Delhi Network of Positive People):

IMMEDIATE CALL FOR SUPPORT TO ALL HIV+ & VULNERABLE GROUPS - JOIN US IN DELHI AGAINST THE EU INDIA FTA

Dear friends and colleagues,

... All of us in Delhi are on edge as the scheduled EU-India Summit (10 February
2012, New Delhi) approaches. Will India and EU sign an FTA that includes
intellectual property and investment provisions that undermine our access to
affordable generic medicines?

Last year on 2 March 2011, we all (more than 3000 PLHIV) marched through
Delhi showing our strong and united protest against the EU-India FTA. DATA
EXCLUSIVITY and PATENT TERM extension were taken off the table by the EU, I
must say because of our rally, yet there are few more contentious issues
that could hamper the production of Generic ARVs, which would put our lives
at risk.

The EU is still trying to bully the Indian government into accepting other
intellectual property provisions that will threaten our future treatment as
well as that of millions across the developing world.

Our voices must be even louder and stronger this year as the European Union
attempts to BULLY our government. We have less than three weeks to prepare
and are inviting all our friends and colleagues to come and march with us in
DELHI on 10 FEBRUARY 2012.

We are making all attempts to provide accommodation, food and hot bathing
water for all our friends who join us. For our friends from the South,
please bring your shawls, caps, socks and sweaters.

Like last year we don't have yet a single money to organize accommodation
and food, but we promise to serve you better than last year, we beg, borrow
or steal but we will not keep you hungry or without a roof over your head
while you are in Delhi. WE REQUEST ALL ORGANISATIONS AND NETWORKS TO SUPPORT.

TRAVEL TO DELHI FOR THE RALLY.

All groups raising concerns regarding the FTA are welcome. We especially
request the TRADE UNIONS and the RIGHT TO FOOD MOVEMENT to join us.

As we are running out of time please write back to us immediately on how
many of you can join us in Delhi.

Loon and Vikas

For information see news reports:

AS of Sunday, 15 January 2012, the top EU foreign policy official is in
India to finalise the agenda for the summit. Last year (2011) the European
Commission in yet another bullying attempt set this summit as the deadline
for the EU-India FTA.

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_eu-s-catherine-ashton-to-hold-trade-sec
urity-talks-in-india_1638002

<http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_eu-s-catherine-ashton-to-hold-trade-se
curity-talks-in-india_1638002>See more

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_eu-s-catherine-ashton-to-hold-trade-sec
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