Lamy welcomes revised ag and NAMA texts, considers next steps

The Director General said the agriculture and non-agricultural market access texts faithfully reflect the state-of-play in the Doha negotiations. He said the documents were balanced and accurately capture progress made since the last texts were issued 10 July. Mr. Lamy said the texts also clearly define those areas where members disagree. Although these areas of discord are few in number, he said, they involve politically sensitive issues. He urged governments to show flexibility and diligence in bridging these gaps as soon as possible.

“With these revised texts we are closer to our goal of clinching modalities in agriculture and industry, a stepping stone towards the conclusion of the Doha Round. We still have a long way to go before the Round is concluded and all Members are asked to cast their ballot on the final package. However, the modalities step would send a signal that all WTO members stand united to face the challenges of the current economic crisis. It will confirm that they reject unilateral beggar thy neighbour solutions.” Mr. Lamy said.

He added: “This is not the time for unrealistic demands. Nor is it the time for inflexible stances. This is the time for collective moves towards global solutions.”

“I am now gauging the reaction of members to these texts and members’ willingness to converge on modalities by the end of the year”