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Farm state senators call for WTO case on European biotech ban
(Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002 -- CropChoice news) --
Reuters: A group of senators from U.S. farm states has, in a letter to
President George W. Bush, called on his administration to lodge a formal complaint against the EU's ban on
genetically modified goods, saying there is no sign the EU will open its
market voluntarily.
The senators, led by incoming Senate Finance Committee
Chairman Charles Grassley, petitioned for filing a World Trade Organization
complaint against the European Union, stating, "We urge you to take that
step without delay."
Bush's Cabinet is expected to debate whether a
WTO complaint against the EU should be filed. But U.S. officials have noted
that doing so is problematic for many reasons, including the possibility it
could prompt the EU to retaliate in other trade disputes. They also fret it
could strain ties with Europe as the allies are considering war against
Iraq.
A U.S. agriculture industry source last week told Reuters the letter from
the senators was being crafted in part to give the White House additional
political cover for launching the trade case in Geneva. | |
