26 December 2009 / TODAY’S ZAMAN, ANKARA
The Council of State Administrative Trials Board has accepted an appeal by the Ministry of Agriculture against a decision by another branch of the Council of State blocking the implementation of regulations concerning the production, import and trade of genetically modified organisms (GMO).
Officials from the ministry commented on the verdict, issued on Thursday, saying the decision renders the most recent version of the GMO regulations, dated Nov. 20, effective until a final judgment is made.
A controversial amendment to the regulations facilitated the import of products containing GMOs for companies that had obtained the necessary documents prior to Oct. 26. Some unions, associations and individuals filed cases demanding the abolishment of the most recent amendment and a stay of execution for articles 11 and 20 of the regulations after they were published in the Official Gazette on Oct. 26. The 10th and 13th chambers of the Council of State had accepted their appeals and ruled for a stay for articles 11 and 20.
