DEMARCHE ON POULTRY IMPORT BANS

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 000730 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EB/TPP/ABT USDA/FAS/DLP FOR NISHIURA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR ETRD NL SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON POULTRY IMPORT BANS REF.: STATE 50349 ¶1. Embassy/The Hague delivered the demarche talking points in reftel to the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Henk Leemans, Department of Food and Veterinary Affairs, LNV, said the EU decision to close its market to most U.S. poultry and poultry products will remain in effect at least until March 24, when Decision 2004/187/EC expires. In the meantime, they expect the possibility of lifting the ban or applying it on a regional basis to be discussed when Commissioner Byrne visits Washington on March 19. ¶2. According to Mr. Leemans, the Netherlands supports the concept of regionalization for animal diseases. They would support limiting the ban to a smaller geographical area when current restrictions are due to be reevaluated and voted on at the Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health meeting on March 23-34. SOBEL