Sticking to Its Demands

Japan may have reached an agreement with the U.S. to resolve differences over BSE by the summer, but it’s still sticking to its demand that the United States check all slaughtered cattle for the disease.

On Saturday, the two countries agreed to try and hammer out a solution by the middle of the year. In the meantime, they plan to establish a working panel by mid-May to iron out some of the remaining points of contention. The panel, comprised of experts and government officials, will meet at least once a month.

Still, while conceding his country is eager to work out differences, Japanese agricultural Vice Minister Mamoru Ishihara said he still cannot predict what form this consensus will take.

He reiterated that Japan’s position on BSE testing has not changed.

"It is important not to harm the faith of consumers," he said. "We have no intention of altering our current policy.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at April 28, 2004 09:33 AM | TrackBack