Brussels, 24/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - Sixty-five American and European consumer organisations boycotted on Wednesday a technical meeting with senior officials with a view to preparing the EU/US Summit scheduled for Saturday in Ireland. According to a press release published by the Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD), they were protesting because they were not allowed to take part in a short meeting which was foreseen during Saturday's summit between Messrs Bush, Prodi and Ahern and two representatives of the Transatlantic Business Dialogue (see EUROPE of 22 June, p.11). It is stated in the press release that the TACD refuses to accept second category status for consumers. Governments have violated their own commitments on fair access to TABD and TACD, responsible for making recommendations in the context of the EU and US decision-making process. The TACD is said to have wanted to discuss matters such as the protection of air passenger personal data, child obesity and the regulation on certain products with the European and American leaders.