Intense talks to find WTO accord

INTENSE negotiations are underway in an attempt to reach agreement by the end of July on the framework of a new World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreement.

Minister for Agriculture and Food Joe Walsh said yesterday that agreement on the terms of the new round is unlikely to be reached until well into 2005 and Ireland was supportive of a well-balanced, comprehensive agreement.

The minister is keeping in very close touch with the negotiations in Geneva and elsewhere on the new WTO round and he remained determined to protect the interests of the Irish agri-food sector and rural communities as the negotiations progress.