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Eu environment ministers meet on GM crisis
22 June 1999
. improved systems for monitoring, risk assessment and labelling can be developed across Europe
. public confidence in food policy can be restored, and
. the EU Deliberate Release Directive (90/220) can be revised and strengthened.
In the light of Environment Minister Michael Meacher's admission this week that he has serious concerns over the possible environmental impact of GM crops, Friends of the Earth is calling on the UK Government to back the Greek call.
FOE Food Campaigner Adrian Bebb commented:
“Mr Blair must give Mr Meacher the authority he needs to play a constructive role in these discussions. Rather than continue blind enthusiasm for the biotech industry,the British Government should be backing their Greek colleagues in halting the rush to GM crop approvals, and developing the safeguards that public health and the environment require.”
FULL TEXT OF GREEK GOVERNMENT STATEMENT:
"The Greek Delegation, in the light of completing the procedures regarding the modification of Directive 90/220/EEC for the deliberate release of Genetically Modified Organisms and given the need for implementing a more transparent and strict framework concerning critical issues, such as risk assessment, monitoring, labelling, as well as the need to restore the trust of market and public opinion, states its intention to implement a procedure suspending new approvals concerning the placing on the market of Genetically Modified Organisms, until the amendment of Directive 90/220/EEC is implemented."
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jul 2008
