BUENOS AIRES, May 26 (Xinhuanet) -- The International Epizootic Organization (IEO) regranted Paraguay's status of nation "free from foot and mouth disease with vaccination," a Paraguayan official was quoted as saying by reports reaching here Thursday.

    The grant was received Wednesday, said Vice Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Gerardo Bogado, who is attending an annual IEO meeting in Paris, France.

    However, there still lacks the European Union (EU)'s technical approval for Paraguayan meat to enter the European market, he toldthe digital version of daily ABC Color.

    The official said his country will request the EU to examine the issue in the second half of 2006. Enditem