RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE REQUEST ON CODEX AD HOC TASK

UNCLAS CAIRO 006292 SIPDIS USDA/FAS/BIG-DAWN.WILLIAMS STATE/EB-JACK BOBO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO EAGR ECON EG SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE REQUEST ON CODEX AD HOC TASK FORCE ON BIOTECHNOLOGY REF: STATE 147159 Per reftel request, post contacted Dr. Mahmoud Eisa, President of the Egyptian Organization for Standardization, and has discussed the US position on biotechnology with him. Dr. Eisa has forwarded our non-paper to the Egyptian representative in Japan who attended the Task Force meeting last year. Dr. Issa is doubtful that Egypt will attend the Task Force meeting this year, but indicated that Egypt will support the U.S. position. Post is currently awaiting a definitive response, and will report once the response has been received. Visit Embassy Cairo's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/cairo You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website. JONES