U.S. President George W. Bush voiced high expectation Friday of Japan's early resumption of U.S. beef imports in a speech at a conference of media company managers that showed signs of Washington's increasing irritation over the issue.
Japan reimposed the ban in January after spinal column--prohibited under a bilateral accord due to the risk of mad cow disease--was found in a beef shipment.
In his speech, Bush said, "One of the things they [livestock farmers in the United States] constantly talk to me is, 'Get those markets open, work with the Japanese to get the market open again.'"
The speech marks the first time that Bush has publicly urged Japan to resume beef imports since the ban's reimposition.
Bush mentioned the issue as an example of unfair trade practices by U.S. trade partners.
Starting to talk a little tough about this issue. Will it help? I doubt it, The President doesn't have much clout anymore overseas. It's nice he's trying though. Does this mean I like him? Fat chance.
Leadership demands that we make tough choices. Alan Autry
