Levy explains government's rejection of GM maize

Sheikh Chifuwe
The Post (Lusaka), August 22, 2002
http://allafrica.com/stories/200208220268.html

THE rejection of genetically modified (GM) foods is not intended to
demean those who had donated it, President Levy Mwanawasa has said.

Speaking when Saudi Arabia Ambassador designate to Zambia Talat Bin
Salim Radwan presented his credentials at State House yesterday,
President Mwanawasa assured that the rejection of GM foods was not
intended to hurt people threatened by hunger.

"Rather, it was done to protect the long term interest of the Zambian
people and the environment," President Mwanawasa said. "We have not been
advised that the GM maize is unsafe nor have we been advised that it is
safe, there is no scientific evidence and therefore, as government we
felt that it was only proper and sound that we take measures which we
have taken." President Mwanawasa appealed to donors to continue
assisting in finding relief food for the people threatened with hunger.

He said government had undertaken an initiative of winter maize growing
which was doing very well to avert hunger and prevent a recurrence of
such a situation. President Mwanawasa told Ambassador Radwan that Zambia
was going through difficulties in food supply which was as a result of
bad weather pattern experienced during the last farming season.

He said the situation left government with no alternative but to import
maize, which was at a great cost. President Mwanawasa also reiterated
Zambia's desire to enhance bilateral co-operation for the benefit of the
two countries and its people.