The European Union presidency of Slovenia urged all states on Friday to take effective action on national, regional and international levels to put an end to racism, xenophobia, discrimination and other forms of intolerance.

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the presidency called upon all countries that have until now failed to sign, ratify or implement the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination to do so.

The European Union would like to draw attention to the commitment to combating all forms of intolerance, racism and discrimination, the presidency said in a statement

It added that that racism, xenophobia and discrimination remain a problem for combat of which the international community bears responsibility.

(Xinhua News Agency March 22, 2008)