The Celtic League has urged the EU Environmental Commissioner to support calls for a ban on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's). The issue is due to be considered by the European Commission next week.

The Celtic League has been an opponent of GM for many years and at its 2001 AGM called for the discontiuation of GM crop tests.

The text of the communication to the EU is set out below:

"Commissioner Stavros Dimas

Ban on GMO's

I am writing to you to urge you as the European Commission's Environment Minister to support Austria's ban on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) at the Commissions meeting on 21 st November 2007.

The Celtic League opposes the production of GM crops in all of the Celtic countries and at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Cymru/Wales in 2001 called for the discontinuation of all tests and full decontamination measures to be implemented.

We recently welcomed the news that the Government of the Irish Republic looks set to collaborate with their counterparts in the north to make the whole of Ireland a GMO free zone. In addition, the Welsh Assembly Government in Caerdydd/Cardiff voted against growing GM crops in 2000 and in Alba/Scotland, the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP), who are in a coalition Government with the Green Party in Alba/Scotland, also support a GMO free Alba/Scotland. The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) on the Mannin/Isle of Mann is also in favour of GMO free agriculture on the island.

This, we believe, highlights the strength of feeling against the use of GM crops in the Celtic countries. We are aware that the UK is in favour of the use of GMO crops and recently voted in favour of rejecting the ban at a Commission meeting on 30 th October 2007. However, as you can see, the UK Government is not a representative voice in its support of GM crops throughout the UK and Great Britain.

Moreover, as you are no doubt aware, according to recent European wide surveys the vast majority of the European public are sceptical of GM crops and products derived from them. Also the fact that many of the Environment Ministers abstained from voting in favour or against the Austian ban issue on the 30 th October highlights the mixed feelings of the majority of EU states towards the GM debate.

In supporting Austria's ban at the meeting on 21st November, this would freely allow other Governments to follow Austria's example, which I am sure many would do. The European Commission has an opportunity to take a lead in this debate and we hope that, depite the threat of sanctions by the World Trade Organisation, you will make the right decision.

We look forward to hearing your views on this issue.

Yours sincerely

Rhisiart Tal-e-bot General Secretary Celtic League"

See also earlier Celtic News items at:

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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

14/11/07

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