New WTO boss Lamy defends EU subsidy support

Pascal Lamy has defended his support for agricultural subsidies for European farmers, but said the post he won yesterday to head the World Trade Organisation will force him to think differently.

Lamy, who is French, said his track record of defending EU farm subsidies during his five years as European Union trade commissioner is on record for all to see.

“That was in my past. At this time I move to a different position,” he said in brief remarks to reporters after meeting with Caribbean trade and agriculture ministers in Georgetown, Guyana.

“How much of myself I leave in the previous position and how much of myself I take to the new position is a sort of kitchen secret which I am not ready to disclose totally,” he said.

In Geneva, Kenyan Ambassador Amina Mohamed said that she would recommend the governing General Council appoint Lamy as director-general starting September 1.