Greenpeace calls for halt to GMOs as international negotiations open in Vienna

[Barbara.Kuepper@greenpeace.de]

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Greenpeace calls for halt to GMOs as international negotiations open in Vienna


Vienna, September 15, 1999 ---- Greenpeace today demanded the international
delegates gathered to Vienna to set strong environmental controls for
genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The organisation demonstrated in front
the United Nations building in Vienna where the Biosafety Protocol negotiations
are being held. Activists dressed as genetically engineered maize and tomato
waltzed with Bill Clinton and Tony Blair and held up banners demanding, 'Stop
GMOs - Biosafety Now!', 'Stop playing dirty games'.

'Governments have so far dodged their responsibility to protect the environment
from genetic pollution,' said Greenpeace political advisor Louise Gale. 'Even
though citizens in a growing number of countries across the world are rejecting
genetically engineered food, governments have done precious little to draft
global rules to address the public's concerns. International biosafety rules are
needed now more than ever to give countries the right to say no to GMOs.'

The US with other grain exporting countries like Canada, Australia and Argentina
have been the strongest opponents of all environmental clauses in the Biosafety
Protocol. The previous round of protocol negotiations collapsed in Colombia
earlier this year mainly due to the opposition of the group.

Greenpeace is calling for precaution to be the basis of all decisions on GMOs
since the long term effects of this new technology are mostly unknown and what
is known causes concern. Any government should have a right to stop any import
of GMOs if it suspects there may be environmental or health risks.

The Biosafety Protocol is the first attempt by the international community to
set binding rules for the use, transport and handling of GMOs. The US is not a
party to the process since it has not ratified the Biodiversity Convention.

Note to editors:
Images of the Greenpeace demonstration are available from the
Greenpeace International Photo Desk, + 31.20.5249 580
Greenpeace Biosafety Press Briefings are available at the Greenpeace
International internet site: www.greenpeace.org/~geneng

For more information:
Mika Railo, Press Officer, Greenpeace International, +31.6.212 969 08
Gertraud Findl, Press Officer, Greenpeace Austria, +0664 333 73 89





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