President Parvanov to Initiate Referendum on GMO

Bulgarian president Georgi Parvanov could initiate a referendum on genetically modified organisms. The procedure could be started under certain circumstances, reads an announcement of the president's press center circulated to the media. However, the administration of the head of state doesn't specify what exactly the circumstances for holding a referendum could be.

President Parvanov watches closely the debate on GMO in Bulgarian society and pays attention to the negative opinions specified the presidency. President Parvanov has pointed out that on an earlier stage of the discussions on the law on GMO he has expressed his readiness to veto the law.

"Economic interests should be taken into consideration, but health issues and how nature could be affected are more important," president Parvanov stressed. Georgi Parvanov expressed his hope that the law would be improved and will be created a mechanism for effective control on the use of GMO. Under certain circumstances president Parvanov would be prepared to initiate a referendum on the ban of GMO emissions in the environment.