Release No. 0040.96

                                          Jim Petterson (202) 720-4623

Statement

by
Secretary Glickman
on the U.S.' Request for Consultations Under the 
World Trade Organization About the European Union's Hormone Ban
January 26, 1996

      "Today's action by U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor to request
consultations under Article XXII of the World Trade Organization against the
European Union's Hormone Ban is significant.  It underscores the U.S.
government's determination to end this long-standing unfair trade practice and
restore access for U.S. meat exporters to this important market.

      "I view today's action with frustration, resignation and resolve.

      -- Frustration because the evidence is overwhelming that proper use of
these hormones poses no danger to human health.  At the EU's own scientific
conference held late last year, scientists agreed that these hormones are safe
when used properly.

      -- Resignation because the United States can wait no longer in hope that
the EU will willingly follow the principles of sound science as outlined in
the WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement and allow the use of these
hormones.  The U.S. government and U.S. meat producers have waited long
enough. 
      
      -- Resolve because the U.S. position is the right one -- it has been
proven scientifically over and over again.  I am confident that the principles
of sound science ultimately will prevail in this matter.

      "U.S. meat producers and exporters should be assured that our government
will not allow bad science to be used as a non-tariff barrier.  We will use
every tool available to us to ensure that our exports are treated fairly in
foreign markets."

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