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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 96-09-04
From: HR-Net News Distribution Manager <dist@hri.org>
MIDDAY EXPRESS
News from the Spokesman's midday briefing
Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi du Porte-Paroleb
04 / 09 / 1996
CONTENTS / CONTENU
[01] Franz Fischler addresses the EP inquiry Committee on BSE
[02] Sir Leon Brittan reaffirms EU opposition to the Helms / Burton act
[01] Franz Fischler addresses the EP inquiry Committee on BSE
Addressing the European Parliament Inquiry Committee on BSE yesterday in
Brussels, Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler outlined all of the measures
taken by the European Union over the years, pointing out that the protection of
consumer health was always the priority. In assessing the actions of the
European Commission, Council or member states, he said, one has to place
those actions in the context of the scientific knowledge at the time - it's too easy
to criticise the actions of the past on the basis of the scientific knowledge of the
present. He also rebutted accusations that the Commission did not take more
extreme actions against UK beef or meat and bone meal and drew the
Committee's attention to the fact that the Commission can only act within its legal
powers and on the basis of scientific evidence - otherwise it would lose every
case in the European Court and the EU taxpayer would be forever paying
damages. The Commission he said has shouldered its responsibilities on BSE
and has nothing to hide or be criticised for. As far as any disinformation on BSE
is concerned, he said that he has or had no knowledge of such.
[02] Sir Leon Brittan reaffirms EU opposition to the Helms / Burton act
EU Trade Commissioner Sir Leon BRITTAN yesterday reaffirmed European
opposition to the Helms / Burton legislation concerning Cuba when meeting with
Stuart EIZENSTAT, US Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade and
President Clinton's special representative. Sir Leon said the EU shares the desire
to bring democracy back to Cuba and has been very active at different levels to
reach that goal. He said he will take good note of Mr. Einzenstat proposals
concerning EU / US enhanced cooperation to promote democracy in Cuba but he
added that the Helms / Burton act certainly makes it more difficult to achieve. He
renewed the EU's strong determination to defend its interests and those of the
european companies within the Helms Burton context. The meeting took place
at the request of Mr. Eizenstat, former US Ambassador to the EU in Brussels,
who will also be seeing Vice President Marin and Commissioner Bonino today.
MIDDAY EXPRESS
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://www.cec.lu/
© ECSC - EC - EAEC, Brussels-Luxembourg, 1995, 1996
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