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January 3 2007

Since December 4th 2006 more than 2,000 European citizens, including many from Poland, have written to all 42 members of the European Parliament's Agricultural and Rural Development Committee demanding to know why they are supporting the further spread of GMO in Europe. But instead of receiving answers, they are getting an automatic notice: "Message deleted without reading."

The reason for EU citizen's concern is a motion submitted by Finnish MEP Kyösti Virrankoski, currently being debated in the European Parliament , which strongly promotes the further development of GMO food and farming throughout Europe. So far, only 2 MEP's have rejected this motion and a few others have made some cosmetic changes. If this motion should be carried by the European Parliament, it will open the flood gates for a GMO invasion of European food and farming.

On December 2nd 2006, ICPPC initiated a campaign reminding MEP's that they are democratically elected and accountable for their actions. "How many of your electorate have asked you to promote GMO food and agriculture?" is one of nine questions they ask. More than two thousand European citizens have now also asked the same question. Only three MEPs have so far replied: Mr Jeffrey Titford (UK) who claims to be against GMO; Ms Bernadette Bourzai (France) who has reservations and Mr Janusz Wojciechowski, the Polish vice chairman of the committee, who has fully rejected the Virrankoski motion, stating that he supports a completely GMO free Europe. (more )

The refusal, by the great majority of MEPs, to even open the letters being sent to them, let alone answer the questions, exposes the shamefully irresponsible and undemocratic position being taken by elected European Parliamentarians, who appear to have forgotten that they are accountable to their electorate. Sir Julian Rose, ICPPC President said " MEPs who are putting the future health and welfare of all European citizens at risk by supporting genetically engineered food should voluntarily go onto a GMO diet to demonstrate their enthusiasm."

notes for editors:

80% of European citizens have said 'no' to GMO food and farming in independent opinion polls conducted over the past 5 years.

Poland banned the import and planting of GMO seeds and plants in 2006 Every Province in Poland has declared itself a GMO Free Zone, joining other European GMO free regions (in total 174 regions and over 4500 smaller areas). contact: Julian Rose or Jadwiga Lopata on: biuro@icppc.pl , phone: +48 338797114

ICPPC - International Coalition to Protect the Polish Countryside, Międzynarodowa Koalicja dla Ochrony Polskiej Wsi 34-146 Stryszów 156, Poland tel./fax +48 33 8797114 biuro@icppc.pl www.icppc.pl www.gmo.icppc.pl www.eko-cel.pl motionmore