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Sunday 05.02.2012

Inuit outraged over EU seal ban

"The seal ban is an abomination because it directly attacks cultures, communities, and livelihoods that represent a basic means of living for many here in Canada, using groundless accusations influenced by animal rights propaganda campaigns," said Mary Simon, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and national leader of Inuit in Canada.

Inuit are united in calling the actions of the European Union cynical and unjustified following today's EU announcement that the Council of Ministers officially passed an import ban on seal products entering into the EU market.



"All Inuit from Russia, Alaska, Canada, and Greenland are standing in solidarity against the EU on this, as hunting sustainably and humanely is something we have done for thousands of years and continue to do so." said Violet Ford, Vice-President of International Affairs at Inuit Circumpolar Council (Canada).

"The seal ban is an abomination because it directly attacks cultures, communities, and livelihoods that represent a basic means of living for many here in Canada, using groundless accusations influenced by animal rights propaganda campaigns," said Mary Simon, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and national leader of Inuit in Canada.

"And today we are witnessing the EU's willingly ignore its own trade rules and relations to please certain myopic self-interests while trying to claim some moral high ground-it doesn't add up."

"We are deeply disappointed that EU Ministers did not show more insight and courage than the EU Parliament in confronting the misinformation campaigns targeting Europe in recent years", said Mary Simon. "This is a very cynical and unjustified decision by the EU Ministers and it flies in the face of the EU's own conservation, veterinary and legal advice.

"I commend the Government of Canada's strong reaction to today's vote. Inuit count on the federal government following up immediately and energetically on its previous, and now re-stated, promise of WTO action. It is a very sad day for us and for Europe that we have come to this. For our part, Inuit will continue to hunt seals. It is my hope that European politicians will come to understand the mistake they have just made."