EU blocks GM talks at WTO
3 December 1999
EU blocks GM talks at WTO
EUROPEAN Union environment and trade ministers have blocked an attempt by the European Commission to hold talks on genetically modified (GM) products at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) meeting in Seattle.
The Commission had wanted to patch up differences with the USA by setting up a WTO working party on biotechnology as part of a new trade round.
It was seen as a means securing a WTO accord that would require the EU and other nations to speed up their approvals procedure for GM foods.
But the EU ministers feared that a WTO working group might jeopardise the successful conclusions of separate negotiations on a bio-safety protocol to the United Nations bio-diversity convention.
This is due to be completed in Montreal.
- Growing French revolt against USA, FWi, 24 September, 1999
- US warns Europe over GM foods, FWi, 20 September, 1999
- US attack on GM licensing, FWi, 20 August, 1999
- The Times 03/12/99 page 21
- The Independent 03/12/99 page 1, pages 16 – 17, page 3 (Review)
- Financial Times 03/12/99 page 13, page 19 (Analysis)
- The Guardian 03/12/99 page 1, page 2, pages 16 – 17
- The Daily Telegraph 03/12/99 page 1, page 17, page 29 (Editorial)
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