SECRETARY-GENERAL REGRETS SUSPENSION WITHOUT AGREEMENT OF TRADE TALKS IN CANCUN

SECRETARY-GENERAL REGRETS SUSPENSION WITHOUT AGREEMENT OF TRADE TALKS IN CANCÚN

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General regrets that the ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Cancún was suspended without agreement, but hopes this is not the end of the road, and that the Doha Round will still deliver on its promise of greater exchange and prosperity for all, especially the developing countries.

He also notes that for the first time the developing countries have found their collective voice in international trade negotiations and acted in concert to defend their interests, notably on the issue of agricultural protection and subsidies.  He believes this is a positive development which holds great hope for the future.

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