*EPF406 11/02/00
Text: Senator Baucus Nov. 1 Letter on Japan's Whaling Practices
(Baucus urges Japan to reconsider decision to hunt whales) (470)
In a letter to Japan's ambassador to the United States Shunji Yanai November 1, Senator Max Baucus (Democrat of Montana) urged the Japanese government to reconsider its decision to hunt whales, including Bryde whales and endangered sperm whales, for scientific research.
"Japan has agreed to international rules. Nevertheless, your government has distorted the entire meaning of scientific research, ignored the advice and recommendations of the International Whaling Commission, and showed a lack of commitment to international management of living marine resources," Baucus writes. "I urge your government to reconsider this position and abide by the objective and science-based recommendations of the International Whaling Commission."
Following is the text of the letter:
(begin text)
November 1, 2000
His Excellency
Shunji Yanai
Ambassador
Embassy of Japan
2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Dear Mr. Ambassador,
I am writing to give you my views on the current dispute between our two countries over Japanese whaling practices that contravene science, reject the recommendations of the International Whaling Commission, and ignore the views of your closest allies and friends around the world.
Despite the Japanese government acceptance of the moratorium on commercial whaling, it is clear to most impartial observers that Japan, in fact, is using the pretext of scientific research to engage in commercial activities. The decision to hunt sperm and Bryde's whales this year for the first time makes this violation even more egregious.
Japan has agreed to international rules. Nevertheless, your government has distorted the entire meaning of scientific research, ignored the advice and recommendations of the International Whaling Commission, and showed a lack of commitment to international management of living marine resources. I urge your government to reconsider this position and abide by the objective and science-based recommendations of the International Whaling Commission.
I am further seriously concerned about the veiled threats of counter-retaliation that representatives of your government appear to be making in discussions with various private sector representatives in the United States. I know you would agree that this effort at intimidation has no place in our bilateral relationship. It would be much more positive and productive if your government officials were putting their energy into ensuring that Japan abide by international objective and science-based recommendations for whaling practices.
I hope that the Japanese government will announce that it will now truly honor its commitment to maintain the global moratorium on commercial whaling.
With best personal regards,
Sincerely,
Max Baucus
cc. Secretary of Commerce Norman Mineta
Secretary of State Madeline Albright
United States Trade Representative Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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