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<title>MINISTERS WELCOME WTO APPEAL REPORTON EU BEEF IMPORT BAN</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">January 16, 1998 No. 13</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">MINISTERS WELCOME WTO APPEAL REPORT</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">ON EU BEEF IMPORT BAN</font><font face="Courier"></font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi and Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister
Lyle Vanclief today welcomed a report by the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Appellate Body confirming that the European Union (EU) ban on imports of Canadian
beef violates its international trade obligations.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The Appellate Body clarified a WTO panel report released in August 1997, and
upheld the panel conclusion that the EU's ban on imports of Canadian beef
produced with growth-promoting hormones is contrary to its obligations under the
WTO.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"This is an important step forward toward resolving this long-standing issue,"
Mr. Marchi said. "I expect the EU to act quickly on the Appellate Body findings."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"We will pursue every avenue to have the EU market reopened to Canadian beef,"
said Mr. Vanclief. "My department will be working closely with the Canadian beef
industry until this goal is achieved."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">In 1989, the EU imposed a ban on imports of Canadian beef produced with growth-promoting hormones. Canada requested a WTO dispute settlement panel in 1996 after
direct consultations with the EU failed to resolve the dispute.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">After the WTO Dispute Settlement Body adopts the Appellate Body report, the EU
will have 30 days to indicate its intentions for implementing the WTO findings.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Leslie Swartman Vern Greenshields</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister for Office of the Minister of</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">International Trade Agriculture and Agri-Food</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 992-7332 (613) 759-1020</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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