November 16, 2001

For Immediate Release

Contact: Ben Lilliston, 612-870-3416

Minneapolis – Four staff from the Minneapolis-based Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) returned Thursday night from the fourth Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Doha, Qatar.

"We are very happy with a number of decision’s taken – especially those dealing with a few key concerns of developing countries," said Mark Ritchie, President of IATP. "However there are serious problems in key areas, including issues related to Minnesota’s family farmers, our food safety, and environmental protection."

Ritchie serves as an official advisor to the US Trade Representative as a member of the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee.

Sophia Murphy, director of IATP’s Trade Program said, "What was most encouraging was the close collaboration between Civil Society delegations and many of the negotiating teams from developing nations. This powerful combination helped ensure that there were true debates and serious negotiations in Doha. We are already looking ahead to the next Ministerial, scheduled for 2003, where this cooperation between NGOs and governments will be even more central."

Dale Wiehoff, IATP Vice-President for Communications, organized and operated IATP’s highly praised website, www.wtowatch, in Doha. WTOWATCH covered the meeting with hourly updates and interviews from participants, compiling a full range of global views.

IATP will host a public forum to discuss the Doha Ministerial at its office. Monday, November 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at: 2104 Stevens Avenue South, Minneapolis.

Check out www.wtowatch.org for current updates and analyses.

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