News Update From The Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods >> Protesters Won't Stop Trade Efforts >> >> By MIKE GLOVER >> Associated Press Writer >> >> August 13, 2001 >> >> DES MOINES, Iowa -- Protesters seeking to disrupt world trade >> negotiations won't win the political struggle in developing countries >> eager for outside help to fight hunger and improve living conditions, >> the nation's top trade official said Monday. >> >> U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick said his top goal is to >> reconvene talks aimed at a global easing of trade restrictions, and he >> won't be deterred by often-violent protests. >> >> "The best choice for America's farmers is in global trade negotiations," >> Zoellick said at a news conference. >> >> Protests have dogged each of the recent trade summits, with activists >> claiming that free markets exploit poor and developing countries. >> >> Zoellick said trade advocates are winning the political debate by >> arguing that trade can help developing countries raise their living >> standards. >> >> "The countries that open their markets grow more," he said. "I don't >> find a lot of sympathy in developing countries for these protesters." >> >> Zoellick also said the United States will continue to lobby for >> genetically modified crops to be allowed into the European market, a key >> sticking point between otherwise strong trade allies. >> >> Resistance in Europe is understandable because those countries have >> suffered through Mad Cow disease and other agriculture disasters that >> make consumers -- and governments -- leery of changes in farming, >> Zoellick said. >> >> "People in Europe are scared," he said. "They need to solve these >> problems on their own and not saddle us." >> >> While Zoellick is part of the international debate over trade issues, he >> came to friendly territory on Monday. He joined Sen. Charles Grassley, >> R-Iowa, at the Iowa State Fair to open Grassley's annual "Ambassador's >> Tour" around the state. >> >> Each year, Grassley takes embassy officials from Washington on a tour of >> Iowa to tout trade opportunities in the state. This year's version of >> the trade tour -- launched with lunch at the State Fair -- includes >> representatives from 52 countries. ### Thanks for your continued support of The Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods. You activism IS making a difference! Craig Winters Executive Director The Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods The Campaign PO Box 55699 Seattle, WA 98155 Tel: 425-771-4049 Fax: 603-825-5841 E-mail: mailto:[log in to unmask] Web Site: http://www.thecampaign.org Mission Statement: "To create a national grassroots consumer campaign for the purpose of lobbying Congress and the President to pass legislation that will require the labeling of genetically engineered foods in the United States." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask]