http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20030110/ap_wo_en_po/eu_gen_eu_us_biotech_1

AP World Politics 
EU vows to fight if US files WTO suit on GMO ban 
Fri Jan 10,10:36 AM ET  

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Union (news - web sites) Friday vowed a
vigorous defense against any possible U.S. suit at the World Trade
Organization (news - web sites) challenging its four-year moratorium on
importing genetically modified crops. 

"We would fight a WTO case and we believe we would win it," said EU
spokeswoman Arancha Gonzalez. 

On Thursday, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick slammed the EU
moratorium, calling it "immoral" and a "complete violation of WTO" rules. 

Some U.S. officials oppose raising tensions with the 15-nation EU and
Zoellick said Washington still has to decide whether to file a WTO case. A
high-profile trade dispute could backfire by strengthening sentiment against
GM crops in Europe. 

The EU proposed new GM labeling and traceability rules last December. The EU
Parliament still must approve them this spring.