Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07LISBON1679
2007-06-22 15:07:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Lisbon
Cable title:
PORTUGAL ON JUNE 25 BIOTECH VOTE
how-toVZCZCXRO3406 PP RUEHAG RUEHROV DE RUEHLI #1679 1731507 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 221507Z JUN 07 FM AMEMBASSY LISBON TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6003 INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES PRIORITY RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC PRIORITY RUEHC/USDA FAS WASHDC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L LISBON 001679
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
PASS TO USTR, USDA/FAS, USDOC, AND EEB/TPP/ABT
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/22/2017
TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD EU PO
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL ON JUNE 25 BIOTECH VOTE
REF: A. STATE 86332
B. LISBON 1560
C. LISBON 1251
Classified By: Heemink, Pol/Econ Officer, Embassy Lisbon,
Reasons 1.4(b) and 1.4(d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L LISBON 001679
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
PASS TO USTR, USDA/FAS, USDOC, AND EEB/TPP/ABT
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/22/2017
TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD EU PO
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL ON JUNE 25 BIOTECH VOTE
REF: A. STATE 86332
B. LISBON 1560
C. LISBON 1251
Classified By: Heemink, Pol/Econ Officer, Embassy Lisbon,
Reasons 1.4(b) and 1.4(d).
1. (C/NF) On June 21, PolEconOff delivered reftel A talking
points to Rui Noronho of the Ministry of Agriculture's Office
of Planning and Policies (GPPA),urging Portugal to vote
favorably at the June 25 Standing Committee of the Food Chain
and Public Health. Noronho reiterated the Portuguese policy
not to block votes on biotech varieties approved by the
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) but did not elaborate
further on Portugal's upcoming voting intentions. On June
22, a close Embassy contact and Portuguese biotech expert
reported in confidence that Portugal was planning to vote
favorably on the Herculex Root Worm variety. However, in
regards to the stacked corn varieties, Portugal intends to
only vote favorably if it is certain that there will be a
qualified majority. Otherwise, it will abstain.
2. (C) Comment. Portugal considers itself a biotech
proponent, especially in the Standing Committee of the Food
Chain and Public Health. It does not regard abstentions as
negative/blocking and, therefore, views abstaining on the
stacked corn varieties vote as supportive.
Hoffman
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
PASS TO USTR, USDA/FAS, USDOC, AND EEB/TPP/ABT
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/22/2017
TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD EU PO
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL ON JUNE 25 BIOTECH VOTE
REF: A. STATE 86332
B. LISBON 1560
C. LISBON 1251
Classified By: Heemink, Pol/Econ Officer, Embassy Lisbon,
Reasons 1.4(b) and 1.4(d).
1. (C/NF) On June 21, PolEconOff delivered reftel A talking
points to Rui Noronho of the Ministry of Agriculture's Office
of Planning and Policies (GPPA),urging Portugal to vote
favorably at the June 25 Standing Committee of the Food Chain
and Public Health. Noronho reiterated the Portuguese policy
not to block votes on biotech varieties approved by the
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) but did not elaborate
further on Portugal's upcoming voting intentions. On June
22, a close Embassy contact and Portuguese biotech expert
reported in confidence that Portugal was planning to vote
favorably on the Herculex Root Worm variety. However, in
regards to the stacked corn varieties, Portugal intends to
only vote favorably if it is certain that there will be a
qualified majority. Otherwise, it will abstain.
2. (C) Comment. Portugal considers itself a biotech
proponent, especially in the Standing Committee of the Food
Chain and Public Health. It does not regard abstentions as
negative/blocking and, therefore, views abstaining on the
stacked corn varieties vote as supportive.
Hoffman