8 nations warn EU over biofuel
2008-11-06 18:09
Brussels - Eight developing countries
warned the European Union on Thursday they could file a World
Trade Organisation complaint over what they see as unfair
barriers being raised against their biofuels.
A draft letter seen by Reuters called on the EU to refrain
from agreeing legislation that would instruct developing nations
on which parts of their territory they could use for biofuels.
The EU's final stance will be decided in negotiations in
coming weeks between member states and the European Parliament,
which has so far demanded numerous restrictions.
"They impose unjustifiably complex requirements on
producers," said the draft letter. "Some of our countries don't
exclude the possibility of defending their rights in the World
Trade Organisation, as a last resort."
"The letter is being signed today by the ambassadors of
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malawi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone,
Indonesia and Malaysia," said a diplomat from one of the
countries.