agriculturelaw.com | Octobere 22, 2001
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS reports that the European Union calls a draft agenda for a new round of global trade talks "a brave effort" but said any references to phasing out agricultural subsidies are unacceptable. EU Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler said the 15-nation bloc also wanted more emphasis given issues such as environmental protection and food safety issues. The seven-page document released by the World Trade Organization last month was an attempt to bridge gaps between the 142 members so that they could launch the new round at their next meeting, scheduled for Nov. 9-13, in Doha, Qatar. Fischler said it was important to go ahead with the meeting despite heightened security concerns, although the venue may have to be changed due to the U.S.-led attacks on nearby Afghanistan.agriculturelaw.com:
