From left to right: Minister of Agriculture Gonzalo
Gonzalez, President Jorge Batlle, U.S. Ambassador Martin
J. Silverstein
It has been 2 years since
Foot and Mouth Disease struck Uruguay and prohibited the
export of beef to the United States. The application process
to re-enter the United States beef market is a lengthy one,
whose sole motive is to protect the health of the US consumer.
The Uruguayan Ministry of Agriculture, Minister Gonzalez
and especially the Uruguayan cattle industry have labored
to bring this disease under control and have cooperated
fully with APHIS, the US health inspection service, in its
prerequisite duty to do a meticulous assessment.
I am pleased therefore to confirm that effective tomorrow,
May 29, 2003, Uruguay can begin to export its cattle meat
to the United States.
Many people deserve appreciation today. However, I specifically
want to thank Secretary Ann Veneman and the US Department
of Agriculture for their professionalism and swiftness of
purpose.
I especially salute the leadership of President Batlle.
His interest and personal perseverance played an absolutely
vital role in this success.
The President of the United States continues to take a personal
interest in UY's economic recovery and hopes today's actions
will play a key part in UY's economic upturn.
As we look ahead to the next few years, Uruguay's long tradition
of democracy, and history of responsible political leadership
are qualities we endorse. I urge those patriots who care
about the future of this hermosa tierra to work together
for the common good.
