BOWIS SLAMS COMMISSION OVER CHINESE IVORY TRADE DECISION
Posted, July 16, 2008 @ 16:00
John Bowis MEP, Conservative spokesman on the Environment in the European Parliament, has today denounced China's bid to be allowed to trade ivory. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has been considering an application from China to be let into the legal trade of African ivory.
John Bowis has put pressure on the European Union to oppose this. He said:
"All the independent evidence is that China fails to meet its obligations on the ivory trade. The vast majority of illegally traded ivory is destined for China and most seizures of such trade are on route to the country. There is a growing demand for ivory in the huge market that is China and this can only encourage a new wave of slaughter of these endangered animals".
The European Commission has now written to John Bowis saying they have decided to ignore the revival of illegally traded ivory and support the Chinese bid.
"The Commission has decided trade at any price is more important than the welfare of the endangered species of our world. I find this despicable and I hope their consciences will prompt them to think again."
ENDS
Contact:
John Bowis MEP on +32 (0) 2 28 45780
john.bowis@europarl.europa.eu
Conservative Press Office -
Gareth Goldsmith on +32 (0)476 668 050
gareth.goldsmith@europarl.europa.eu