E.U. rejects Vatican's condom claims

The European Union on Monday criticized recent statements by a top Vatican cardinal that latex condoms do not work, saying the statements are "not supported by sound scientific evidence" and "not plausible." Philippe Busquin, E.U. research commissioner, added that there is enough evidence to demonstrate that "condoms are the best way to prevent HIV infection." E.U. spokesman Fabio Fabbi said, "There is extensive and conclusive scientific evidence that condoms are the best way to stop and prevent AIDS. The scientific evidence is there, whatever your beliefs are." Fabbi said the European Commission has funded several research projects over the past 15 years to prove that latex condoms are an effective way of fighting the spread of AIDS. The commission said the studies found that condoms showed an efficacy rate close to 100% when used correctly.