May 19, 2004

Japan And U.S. Begin Talks On Lifting Beef Ban

Japanese and U.S. government officials began two days of working-level talks Tuesday in Tokyo to discuss conditions for Japan to lift its import ban on U.S. beef, the Kyodo news agency reported.

T

he talks are designed to clarify issues to be settled by both countries before Tokyo lifts the import ban, including how to define "dangerous parts" of slaughtered cattle tested for mad cow disease and how to ensure safety of beef, Japanese officials said.

Earlier in the day, Japanese Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister - Yoshiyuki Kamei told reporters, "I want professional discussion on the matter to pave the way for an early resumption of U.S. beef imports by Japan."

Experts from both countries plan to meet at least once every month in a bid to reach accord by summer, the officials said.