French claim EU has erred tactically

THE French Government says the EU made a "a serious tactical mistake" when Agriculture Ministers in Killarney last week backed the Commissions' proposal to eliminate all its export refunds and subsidies.

A clear majority of member states backed the offer to abolish farm export aid to help unblock world trade talks, leaving France isolated.

"How can Europe protect the Common Agricultural Policy through to the end of WTO talks if it gives a signal of unilateral disarmament?" said French farm minister Herve Gaymard.