Meles Zenawi’s genetically-modified morals EPRP Press ReleaseJuly 27, 2004

Meles Zenawi has tried to argue that the main focus should be on combating hunger as if the import of GMS and foods had or would benefit the hungry. At issue has been the whole question of economic sovereignty, environment and health issues and subsidized farming in the developed countries that has adversely affected agricultural production in the developing ones.

The problem with agricultural production in countries like Ethiopia has not much to do with science. Hunger stalks Ethiopia not mainly because the farmers are unproductive but due to disastrous economic policies both locally and internationally. African farmers are not getting adequate price for their produce on the international market and are faced with heavily subsidized US and European farmers.

The opposition to the GSM is thus no perverse desire to be hungry but a legitimate stance against losing one’s sovereign decision on one’s production and agriculture. Much has been said on the subject for us to need to belabor the point.

The disastrous agricultural and land ownership policies of the Meles Zenawi regime (which openly practices divisive ethnic politics) has compounded the agricultural problems of Ethiopia and exposed millions of Ethiopians to famine.

Turning Ethiopia into the dumping ground of hazardous seeds and foods will not in any way solve the problem of famine. On the contrary, environmental and health problems will also intensify. Meles Zenawi is trying to show his servility and to gain political support from those demanding that Ethiopia and Africa be the importers of the genetically modified seeds.

The EPRP condemns the anti-national and traitorous stance of Meles Zenawi and expresses its opposition to any hazardous genetically modified seeds being imposed in Ethiopia to wreak havoc with its natural and varied/diversified seeds and food production.