Irish, French concern over new WTO deal

THE Irish and French agriculture ministers yesterday expressed concern about the implications of a new world trade agreement.

Ministers Mary Coughlan and Dominique Bussereau discussed how best to defend the European community's interests at a meeting in Dublin.

The Irish minister confirmed that along with 11 other EU colleagues, she and Mr Bussereau last week co-signed a submission to Commissioners Marian Fischer Boel and Peter Mandelson setting out joint concerns on a number of issues.

These relate to market access, domestic support and export subsidies in advance of further World Trade Organisation negotiations.

Ms Coughlan and Mr Bussereau met following a weekend failure by six WTO powers to clinch a breakthrough on trade liberalisation.

The WTO's 149 member nations have agreed to eliminate farm subsides by 2013, but tariffs remain a crucial stumbling block.

The agricultural policies of developed powers are under fire from poor countries which claim they constitute an unfair trade advantage.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said his objective is to ensure that any new WTO agreement can be accommodated within the terms of the 2003 CAP reforms. "We believe that no further reform will be required. I am glad to say that this negotiating position was agreed in the European Council of Ministers," he said.