FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2001
MOSCOW, ID - The Earth Liberation Front (ELF) has officially claimed
responsibility for sabotaging the University of Idaho biotechnology building
in opposition to genetic engineering on June 10, 2001. This is the second
strike by the ELF at the new biotech building.
A communique released by the ELF stated, "Survey stakes were removed and the
exterior of the new building painted with such sentiments as 'NO GE' and 'Go
Organic'".
The Earth Liberation Front is an international underground organization that
uses direct action in the form of economic sabotage to stop the destruction of
the natural environment. In North America alone since 1997, the ELF has
caused over $40 million in damages to entities who profit from the destruction
of life.
The communique continued, "Biotechnological research may be intended for good
ends by the scientist, as was nuclear research, but in our free enterprise
police state society it will be used almost solely for greed and control.
With Genetic Engineering we are creating another bomb."
Among other genetic engineering research projects, the University of Idaho, in
partnership with Monsanto's Naturemark, genetically modifies potatoes to be
resistant to various viruses and pests. UI with Naturemark and Idaho 4-H also
are in collaboration in a "educational" program called "Biotechnology and
Potatoes". This joint effort is aimed at "teaching" students of all ages
about plant biotechnology and includes hands-on genetic engineering. The
Young Enterprise Program is another outcome of this partnership which places
the marketing of genetically engineered potatoes into the hands of students.
Naturemark supplies their genetically modified NewLeaf potatoes to students
who then market them to local communities. These projects aimed at
propagandizing students with industry myths no doubt refuse to discuss the
serious threat genetic engineering poses to the natural environment and life
on this planet.
Contact: NORTH AMERICAN EARTH LIBERATION FRONT PRESS OFFICE
503.478.0902 http://www.earthliberationfront.com