SLOVENIA ON U.S. CORN GLUTEN FEED

UNCLAS LJUBLJANA 000268 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/NCE, EB/TPP/ABT/BTT/MALAC DEPARTMENT PLEASE PASS TO USTR/AG/MURPHY DEPARTMENT PLEASE PASS TO USTR/ERRION DEPARTMENT PLEASE PASS TO USDA/FAS/BIG/SIMMONS AMEMBASSY VIENNA FOR FAS/GRAY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETRD EAGR TBIO PREL SI SUBJECT: SLOVENIA ON U.S. CORN GLUTEN FEED REF: A. SECSTATE 68058 ¶B. NYLIN-MATAC 14 APRIL TELCON ¶1. Econoff delivered reftel talking points 14 April to Franc But, State Secretary at the Slovene Ministry of Agriculture. Despite the negative outcome of the Standing Committee vote, Slovenia could be helpful to the U.S. as this matter progresses. State Secretary But said Slovenia would be willing to support the U.S. position, but indicated the GOS did not want to "stand on its own." A former Minister of Agriculture, But said he hoped that there would be a "big state" proponent of delay on a Bt-10 decision. He also noted Slovenia might be willing to support the U.S. position publicly if 3-5 other countries of similar size to Slovenia would also provide their support. State Secretary But seemed to understand the importance of this matter to the U.S. and the EU. During the demarche, however, he noted little could be done due to the Committee vote being held the following day. ¶2. Econoff also provided the aforementioned details of Slovenia's response in a telephone call with EB/TPP Deborah Matac on 14 April. ROBERTSON NOTE: NOT PASSED TO ABOVE ADDRESSEE(S) NNNN 2005LJUBLJ00268 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED v1.6.2