CattleNetwork_Today 3/16/2007 2:32:00 PM
Korean Ag Minister Says No To U.S. Bone-In Beef
Korean ag minister says no to U.S. bone-in beef, despite impact on FTA
In talks with farmer groups today, South Korean agriculture minister Park Hong-soo said the government's ban on U.S. bone-in beef must not be sacrificed for the sake of striking a free-trade agreement with the United States, according to Yonhap News.
"Even if Seoul has to make [other] concessions, it must not give ground on the beef issue," Park told farmers.
Korea maintains it is impossible to distinguish "normal" bones from those classified as specified risk materials for bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Hence, it says it can't allow imports of U.S. bone-in beef.
"Like people or society, a country must hold steadfast to principles," Park said, adding that while USDA is seeking to satisfy U.S. beef interests, Seoul is seeking to preserve the health of its people.
U.S. free-trade negotiators have made it clear on several occasions that unless Korea normalizes beef trade with the United States, there will be no FTA between the two countries.
Park's remarks come as FTA negotiators plan to hold a second meeting in Seoul next week to discuss unresolved agricultural issues. Agricultural product, along with autos and textiles, remain key sticking points in ongoing talks, which must conclude by March 31 in order for President Bush to fast track any agreement the two countries reach.
Source: John Gregerson, Meatingplace.com
Korean Ag Minister Says No To U.S. Bone-In Beef
Korean ag minister says no to U.S. bone-in beef, despite impact on FTA
In talks with farmer groups today, South Korean agriculture minister Park Hong-soo said the government's ban on U.S. bone-in beef must not be sacrificed for the sake of striking a free-trade agreement with the United States, according to Yonhap News.
"Even if Seoul has to make [other] concessions, it must not give ground on the beef issue," Park told farmers.
Korea maintains it is impossible to distinguish "normal" bones from those classified as specified risk materials for bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Hence, it says it can't allow imports of U.S. bone-in beef.
"Like people or society, a country must hold steadfast to principles," Park said, adding that while USDA is seeking to satisfy U.S. beef interests, Seoul is seeking to preserve the health of its people.
U.S. free-trade negotiators have made it clear on several occasions that unless Korea normalizes beef trade with the United States, there will be no FTA between the two countries.
Park's remarks come as FTA negotiators plan to hold a second meeting in Seoul next week to discuss unresolved agricultural issues. Agricultural product, along with autos and textiles, remain key sticking points in ongoing talks, which must conclude by March 31 in order for President Bush to fast track any agreement the two countries reach.
Source: John Gregerson, Meatingplace.com