AFX | June 27, 2003
The European Commission has reiterated its rebuttal of US accusations that the bloc's reservations about genetically modified food (GMO) are leading to starvation in Africa. The EU executive also said the timing of a US complaint over the issue to the World Trade Organization (WTO) was "unfortunate." "The allegations made by the United States... making reference to starvation in Africa are incorrect and unhelpful," said Reijo Kempinnen, spokesman for commission head Romano Prodi. "We have in no way tried to influence the African attitude to GMOs," said the commission spokesman, adding: "The difference in terms of approach remains." "We are convinced that the approach that we have... is the best possible one in providing them with cash instead of dumping food or that type of product on them," he said. The European Commission said "We don't intend to change our policy... and the Americans did not give any indication of intending to withdraw their complaint to the WTO,".AFX:
