Tom Kitt, T.D., Minister for International Trade, today (Friday, 5th March, 1999) described the latest threats from the US Trade Authorities in the so-called banana war as "unwarranted". "This US action in uncalled for and I condemn it", he said.

The Minister stated "the United States should have waited for the results of the World Trade Organisation examination of the issue before imposing trade sanctions against Ireland and the rest of the EU. The WTO results will be available in a matter of weeks and the European Union has committed itself to accepting the final decision of the WTO on the problem."

"I am taking the matter up directly this afternoon with the US Embassy and making my views crystal clear. My officials and Foreign Affairs officials are also meeting with US Embassy officials this afternoon in relation to this serious state of affairs". Tánaiste, Mary Harney had already raised the issue with the US Ambassador who she met earlier this week. She conveyed to him "the Irish Government's concern at the way in which this dispute was escalating".

"The European Commission and the EU Member States are considering what action to take in response to the US measures and any such action will be within the rules of the WTO", the Minister went on to say. The Minister added: "Ireland has consistently supported discussions between the European Commission and the US to resolve this problem. Such discussions have taken place and I am strongly of the view that these should be resumed."

It is estimated that some $500m worth of EU exports to the US will be effected by the US measures. About £2 million of Irish exports could be affected. Current Irish products being targeted by the US action include Swine Meat, Sweet Biscuits, Handbags, Cartons and Lithographs. Enterprise Ireland have been in contact with exporters who may be affected by the US decisions.