04-01-2011, 02:47 PM
'US was advised to start trade war over GM crops'
TNN, Jan 4, 2011, 06.25am IST
Tags:Wikileak|Monsanto|GM crop cultivation|European Union
NEW DELHI: The US government was advised by its officials to start a military-style trade war against European countries that oppose GM crop cultivation, a new Wikileak release by the UK-based newspaper Guardian has shown.
The US embassy in Paris in 2007, when France moved to ban GM corn by Monsanto, recommended that the US "calibrate a target retaliation list that causes some pain across the EU since this is a collective responsibility, but that also focuses in part on the worst culprits (those that oppose GM crops)." The leaked cables between US officials lay bare how the government was not averse to using it diplomatic and trade might to support companies like Monsanto spreading their business in other countries, going even to the extent of trying to use the Vatican to back its position.
A cable mentioned: "Opportunities exist to press the issue with the Vatican, and in turn to influence a wide segment of the population in Europe and the developing world." The Guardian noted: "In other newly released cables, US diplomats around the world are found to have pushed GM crops as a strategic government and commercial imperative."
The leaks are bound to ignite a debate in India again on GM crops. India had put a temporary moratorium on the cultivation of Monsanto's Bt Brinjal with activists claiming that the Indo-US agriculture knowledge mission was tied into interests pushing GM crops in India. Indian environment minister Jairam Ramesh had put the 'precautionary principle' up front while banning the cultivation of Bt Brinjal temporarily.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india...214048.cms
TNN, Jan 4, 2011, 06.25am IST
Tags:Wikileak|Monsanto|GM crop cultivation|European Union
NEW DELHI: The US government was advised by its officials to start a military-style trade war against European countries that oppose GM crop cultivation, a new Wikileak release by the UK-based newspaper Guardian has shown.
The US embassy in Paris in 2007, when France moved to ban GM corn by Monsanto, recommended that the US "calibrate a target retaliation list that causes some pain across the EU since this is a collective responsibility, but that also focuses in part on the worst culprits (those that oppose GM crops)." The leaked cables between US officials lay bare how the government was not averse to using it diplomatic and trade might to support companies like Monsanto spreading their business in other countries, going even to the extent of trying to use the Vatican to back its position.
A cable mentioned: "Opportunities exist to press the issue with the Vatican, and in turn to influence a wide segment of the population in Europe and the developing world." The Guardian noted: "In other newly released cables, US diplomats around the world are found to have pushed GM crops as a strategic government and commercial imperative."
The leaks are bound to ignite a debate in India again on GM crops. India had put a temporary moratorium on the cultivation of Monsanto's Bt Brinjal with activists claiming that the Indo-US agriculture knowledge mission was tied into interests pushing GM crops in India. Indian environment minister Jairam Ramesh had put the 'precautionary principle' up front while banning the cultivation of Bt Brinjal temporarily.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india...214048.cms
"The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it." Karl Marx
"He would, wouldn't he?" Mandy Rice-Davies. When asked in court whether she knew that Lord Astor had denied having sex with her.
“I think it would be a good idea” Ghandi, when asked about Western Civilisation.
"He would, wouldn't he?" Mandy Rice-Davies. When asked in court whether she knew that Lord Astor had denied having sex with her.
“I think it would be a good idea” Ghandi, when asked about Western Civilisation.