April 2, 2002

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The U.S. Trade Representative has again cited Germany in its 2002 National Trade Estimate on Foreign Trade Barriers over discrimination against companies owned or operated by Scientologists, while acknowledging that the German government has made efforts to respond to American concerns. In the section devoted to Trade with the European Union, the U.S. Trade Rep states that the Administration will continue to monitor the situation, “to ensure that U.S. firms and workers are not discriminated against in German government procurement.”

The U.S. Trade Representative also criticizes France on the grounds that “French government agencies have refused to renew contracts with [the U.S. software company, Panda] because of the management’s relationship to Scientology.”

Trade Representative Robert Zoellick states in the Report, an inventory of the most important foreign barriers affecting U.S. exports and investments, that such national practices regarding government procurement are of “particular concern to the United States.”

The Scientology religion was founded by philosopher and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard in 1954. As part of its social mission the Church supports many charitable and social programs in the areas of drug rehabilitation, criminal reform and literacy. Further information can be obtained at www.scientology.org.