Green Minister's Resignation Shocks Belgium

BRUSSELS, Belgium, August 27, 2002 (ENS) - Belgium's Environment Minister Magda Aelvoet parted company with the government last night in protest over a weapons sale to Nepal. The Green minister's resignation followed approval by Liberal Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt and Foreign Minister Louis Michel of a Belgian shipment of 5,500 machine guns to Nepal, where a civil war is raging.

Aelvoet's spokesperson told reporters that the politician's decision had been made to resolve her "personal conflict with the position of the government" and to remain "coherent with her green beliefs."

The minister, who represents the Flemish Green party Agalev in Parliament, had a wide reaching portfolio that included health, consumer affairs and social welfare.

Under the current six party ruling coalition in Belgium, the new minister must come from the Green party. The party itself is keen to find a replacement quickly to prevent a crisis of confidence in the government. A new appointment is expected to be announced this week.

The spokesperson said that the loss of Aelvoet would not result in changes in the policy direction she had established during her four years in the post. This includes a hard line on genetically modified organisms.

In May she invoked the precautionary principle to block field trials of a genetically modified oilseed rape and a transgenic apple tree trial. Three other applications were approved on condition that the firms concerned assume liability for any damage to human and animal health or property.

She also took a tough stance on chemicals. In April, she imposed tighter controls on three pesticide ingredients: diuron, simazine and alkylphenols.

During the Belgian Presidency of the European Union last year, Aelvoet stated her priority as "sustainable development and quality of life."

"This means that, throughout this Presidency, the promotion of sustainable consumption and production patterns will serve as the principal guideline for the environmental policy of the European Union," she said.

Aelvoet supported European ratification of the Kyoto climate protocol which Belgium did ratify this year, along with the other European Union member states.

"It is the decision of the party to follow the policies of Mrs. Aelvoet," the spokesperson said. As for the future, with "elections next year, she will surely be active in the campaign," the spokesperson said.