Anti-whalers claim victory in annual joust with pro camp

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2004

SORRENTO, Italy (AFP) — Anti-whaling states claimed victory at the end of an ill-tempered annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) after putting the brakes on a seemingly relentless march towards an early return to worldwide commercial whaling.

The conservationists in the 57-member body thwarted an attempt by a determined coalition of pro-whaling states to move ahead more quickly on a disputed management plan, which needs to be in place before a return to IWC-regulated whaling.

They blocked a move to have the controversial plan ready in time for adoption at next year's meeting in Pusan, Korea.

"It does bring commercial whaling closer, but it is a small step, and not the big step that Japan wanted," said Susan Lieberman, Global Species...