Expectations lower in WTO

TRADE ministers headed to Geneva for crucial WTO negotiations this week with lowered expectations of finalising a first blueprint for a crucial December meeting in Hong Kong.

But their negotiating difficulties were good news for France, Cyprus, Greece and Ireland, which led opposition this week to European Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson's ambitious EU offer to cut agricultural tariffs by 46%.

"Do not doubt the determination of France to reject a trade deal in Hong Kong that threatens the CAP," said French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy.