Iceland harshly criticized by Wildlife Organizations

International wildlife organizations have been responding to the government of Iceland's decision to resume commercial whaling. When the first whale was killed this weekend, wildlife organizations and foreign politicians were outraged and claim that Icelanders have turned to barbarism. Ian Campbell, Australia's Minister for the Environment says that by pulling a dead whale into Hvalfjörð Icelanders are giving the international society the finger.

In an interview with the Australian media Campbell said that from now on it would not be possible to take notice of Iceland's opinion in any environmental issue. That Icelanders have turned against international agreements regarding whale hunting. Einar K. Guðfinnsson Minister of Fisheries dismisses Campbell's criticism and says that Icelander's right to whale hunting is clear.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare protest Iceland's whale hunting and claims that by killing the whale last weekend Icelanders have not only tarnished the ocean but also it's reputation on the international scene. In a press release IFAW says that the whale meat will be sold to Japan, but that such commerce is illegal according to international laws on endangered species by products. IFAW welcome that the government's of US, UK, France, Australia and New Zealand have condemned the whale hunting. The fund calls for action from it's supporters which counts over two and a half million around the world.