May 31/00 / Reuters
LISBON - The United States and the European Union were cited as agreeing on Wednesday to establish an independent panel to review issues at the heart of a dispute over trade in biotechnology products such as genetically modified food.
A joint statement issued during a U.S.-EU summit was quoted as saying, "We are hopeful that this independent forum will provide a venue for thoughtful discussions among experts and will contribute toward fostering better understanding of the many important issues involved."
The White House was cited as saying in a statement that members of the panel are to include scientists, ethics experts, farmers, consumers and people with environmental interest. Labour, business and academic sectors will be represented.
The panel will look at issues including food safety, health, the environment and food security of developing nations, the White House said. The panel is to present a report to the next semi-annual U.S.-EU summit in December.
(posted without permission)
