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In an interview with the BBC last month, first lady Laura Bush said abstinence is a "very important" part of the battle against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The United States supports the "ABC" approach of stressing abstinence, being faithful to a partner and correct and consistent use of condoms, said Bush. All three points, she said, are important. "But I think it's very important to talk about abstinence," added Bush, who just returned from a tour of African nations.

Abstinence is proven to be effective and it is important "to let people know that that's a choice," said Bush. "It sort of irritates me when I hear people act like abstinence is not a real choice, because it is, and it's 100 percent effective."

The Bush administration has come under fire from AIDS activists and others who argue that US efforts to combat the global epidemic have passed on useful programs that do not have abstinence as a main component.

Editor's Note: from Agence France Presse