London, 23 July 2001: Whaling has been a part of Iceland’s culture for centuries but today they were told that they are not allowed to participate in the International Whaling Commission. Instead of being a simple procedure, this matter has become the major issue occupying the minds of whaling nations that are attending the 53^rd International Whaling Commission (IWC) meetings in London this year.

Eugene Lapointe, President of IWMC World Conservation Trust, states on this occasion, "Every single delegation knows that the IWC is simply disregarding and changing its rules, including the provisions laid down by the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW) at its meetings. By preventing Iceland from voting at the IWC the Commission has grossly overstepped its legal competence. After having committed such serious breaches it has embarked on the path of breaking international laws. This leads to plain and simple ‘Cultural Imperialism’!"

The IWC, as an international governing body, refuses to Iceland the exercise of its Sovereign Rights. Nor does it acknowledge smaller island nations from the Caribbean islands of St Vincent & The Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Antigua & Barbuda who strongly support Iceland in its effort to prove itself as an independent sovereign nation using its right to voice its reservations. Iceland having rejoined the IWC after much deliberation does not wish to recognise the moratorium that should have been lifted in 1990. Furthermore, they are being bullied by the IWC and its member nations like New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom and the United States on this matter. All of these countries have voted against Iceland and refuse to acknowledge the membership of Iceland to the IWC in a resolution passed today. These arm-twisting tactics are strongly criticised by countries that believe in sustainable use of all resources, including whales.

"This is cultural imperialism at its peak", said Lapointe.

"The IWC has become a playground for political games rather than a scientific management and conservation body. In IWC, the debate is no more scientific, it is purely a cultural and political debate. Today's decision to refuse the membership of Iceland is another major step forward in the path of self-destruction carefully nourished by IWC over the years" concluded Lapointe.

For more information and interviews contact:
Eugene Lapointe - iwmc@iwmc.org
Florida USA: Tel/Fax: (727) 734-4949
Switzerland: Tel/Fax: 41(21) 616-5000