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[SANET-MG] INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY TALKS END IN ACRIMONY
Many have begun to urge that the UN Biodiversity Centre be moved out of
Montreal to provide some working space for those who wish to deal with
biodiversity not just serve the corporate agenda. Would moving the
Centre have helped dampen sleazy politicking in the guise of
biodiversity? Yes it would! It was clear the the Montreal Centre has no
real interest in biodiversity, it just provides public relations for
corporation! Move the Biodiversity Centre now!
GM WATCH daily
http://www.gmwatch.org
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It started with Canada seeking to exclude Dr Tewolde, the leader of the
Africa Group, and ended with an industry roadblock courtesy of New
Zealand and Brazil.
"The actions of Brazil and New Zealand are shameless. They have
prevented the vast majority from bringing in rules that will protect the
environment. Their victory, however, will be short-lived as global
opposition to genetically engineered foods continues to grow."
Scroll down this website to see pictures of protests in Montreal this week.
http://www.iisd.ca/biodiv/bs-copmop2/
-----
MEDIA ADVISORY
Friends of the Earth International
Greenpeace International
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY TALKS END IN ACRIMONY
Two countries block tighter rules on GM crops and foods
MONTREAL, CANADA, 3 June 2005
Key United Nations negotiations on the safe trade of genetically
modified (GM) crops and foods ended today in acrimony.
Despite over 100 countries demanding comprehensive controls to limit GM
contamination, the move was blocked by just two countries that sided
with the GM industry New Zealand and Brazil.
This week's negotiations on the United Nations’ Biosafety Protocol were
aimed at bringing in international rules to reduce contamination from
imports of GM crops and to introduce full labelling.
However, despite support from virtually all countries, especially in the
developing world, little progress was made in making the laws stronger.
Needing consensus to bring in the new laws, New Zealand and Brazil sided
with big business and shamelessly blocked all moves.
The Biosafety Protocol provides a safety net to protect the environment
from the threat of GM crops. Countries are encouraged to develop
legislation that protects their biodiversity and can also ban imports of
GM products if there are questions over its safety. To date 119 countries
have ratified the Protocol.
Juan Lopez, GM Coordinator of Friends of the Earth International said:
"The world community has shown here this week that it wants laws to
protect itself from the threat of genetically modified foods and crops.
Two countries, Brazil and New Zealand, acting in the interest of big
business, held the talks to hostage and destroyed the hopes of improving
international laws."
Doreen Stabinsky, Greenpeace international genetic engineering
campaigner added: "The actions of Brazil and New Zealand are shameless.
They have prevented the vast majority from bringing in rules that will
protect the environment. Their victory, however, will be short-lived as
global opposition to genetically engineered foods continues to grow."
ENDS
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Juan Lopez, Friends of the Earth International
+1 514 8036 718 or +39 333 1498 049
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