Press Association:  JANUARY 21. 2000

US 'SET TO OPPOSE FRANKENSTEIN FOOD DEAL'

The US is threatening to block a new international deal regulating the
trade and use of genetically modified organisms, wildlife campaigners
warned.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds - Europe's largest
conservation organisation - said the proposed international Biodiversity
Protocol, due to be discussed at talks in Montreal, was aimed at ensuring
the safe handling, transfer and use of GMOs that may have an adverse
effect on the environment.

However, the US Department of Agriculture claims the treaty clashes with
US trade interests.