The Minister of Foreign and Internal Trade and Telecommunications, Rasim Ljajić stated today that the debate, which was publicly launched in relation to the amendments to the Law on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) is totally unnecessary at the moment, as one of the most important and sensitive topics is being discussed in a sensationalist manner.

Ljajić pointed out that the most important thing is to start a dialogue between all stakeholders, relevant government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the scientific and professional community, in order to arrive at a solution that would be generally acceptable.

“Our primary objective is the safety and health protection of all citizens and the elimination of risks to human and animals health and the environment”, said Ljajić.

According to him, if the law was to be changed, it would become even more restrictive, as the supervision and control of the goods would be more strict and stringent than is provided by the current legislation.

“Serbia’s goal is membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO), as it would allow the country full integration into the international trading system, in addition to being a precondition for EU accession,” concluded Ljajić.