MEPs approve freedom of choice for GMOs +rpt+

(ANSA) - Brussels, January 12 - The European Parliament on Tuesday voted to give final approval to a directive that will give EU countries the freedom to decide whether to limit or ban the cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), even though this is allowed at the European level. This compromise solution was thrashed out during Italy's duty presidency of the EU after four years of tough negotiations. The directive cleared the EP's Strasbourg assembly with 480 votes in favour, 159 against and 58 abstentions.