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THE CHALLENGE FOR CAIRO:

In spite of the progress made in elaboration of the Programme of Action, a number of key issues must be resolved in Cairo. Delegates must still:

• reach agreement on the difficult definitions: family planning; reproductive and sexual health and rights; and safe motherhood;

• address the reproductive and sexual health needs of adolescents;

• deal with preamble and principles (Chapters I and II); and

• agree on the resource requirements;

The success of the Cairo Conference depends largely on the content and comprehensiveness of the Programme of Action. If the Vatican and its allies continue to hold the Conference hostage to views on reproductive health and family planning that may adhere to one set of beliefs, which are not in themselves challenged, but which, many feel, do not reflect today's realities, negotiations in Cairo will sacrifice more valuable time that could be used to strengthen other provisions and improve the overall Programme of Action.