The Office of the United States Trade Representative

Statement of USTR Spokesman Richard Mills regarding biotech consultations in the WTO with the EU
06/19/2003

"This case is about making sure that the rules are followed. The EU's moratorium is illegal, denies access to Europe's markets for healthy, nutritious biotech products from America and around the world, and denies choices to European consumers. We are disappointed but not surprised that these consultations have not resulted in any changes to the EU's five year old illegal and unscientific moratorium. We'll be moving forward with requesting a panel.

"Nothing in our WTO challenge prevents the EU from following through on their promises to reverse course and end the moratorium."