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Talks about seal hunting methods
last update: Jul 01, 2009 09:33 AM
From a "Canadian Press/CTV.Ca" article: Quebec Premier Jean Charest said he is willing to review seal hunting methods if it means appeasing European sentiments over the controversial practice.
In a closed-door meeting with Stavros Dimas, the European commissioner for the environment, Charest broached the thorny issue in Brussels, Belgium. The step is taken as he wants to smooth over some of the issues that led to the European Union banning seal products last spring.
The key sticking point was the tool sometimes used to kill the animals - a traditional weapon called a hakapik. Charest said that the hunting method conforms to international norms, he's nonetheless willing to consider an alternative if the Europeans are likewise willing to review their embargo.
He said "It's a question of perception, but it's a false perception. We're ready to discuss it if we need to. It may be a path towards a solution. If we have to review our methods, we will."
Last May, EU members of Parliament endorsed a bill that would impose a tight ban on the import of seal products to all 27-member countries as of 2010.
Read more:
Canadian Press/CTV.Ca, 29th June 2009
