Taken Questions Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 20, 2002 Taken Question From May 20, 2002 Daily Press Briefing Iceland: Whaling and U.S. Relations
Question: Please provide a read-out of the discussion on whaling between the Secretary and the Foreign Minister of Iceland. How does this issue impact our "excellent relations" with Iceland? Answer: The Secretary raised this issue during his meeting last Wednesday (May 15) with the Foreign Minister of Iceland, Halldor Asgrimsson, as part of our regular dialogue with Iceland. We note that the International Whaling Commission voted 25-20 on May 20 not to accept Iceland's attempt to rejoin the Commission with a reservation on the moratorium on commercial whaling. We have encouraged Iceland to rejoin the International Whaling Commission; however, we are opposed to Iceland’s rejoining with a reservation to the International Whaling Commission moratorium on commercial whaling. This issue does not affect our strong relations with Iceland, a friend and NATO ally. |