S Korean attempts to block US beef
2 June 2008According to meatingplace.com, three of South Korea's main opposition parties on Friday filed lawsuits asking the country's Constitutional Court to block imports of US beef. This, following the government's recent announcement that it would resume trade under a new protocol with Washington.
The opposition parties contend the government's decision jeopardises public health. They want the court to issue an injunction against resumption of imports until it gives a verdict, according to the Associated Press. A spokesman for the court said the court will deliberate the case expeditiously, but he declined to give a timeframe. Meanwhile, US beef faces another possible hurdle: Major discount chains say they aren't planning to sell it due to negative public perceptions. ‘We cannot ignore public sentiment', said Na Geun-tae, an official with Lotte Mart.
