archives: WTO Infopalermo update: EU Trade Ministerial Rejects NGO Call to Halt WTO Expansion
Campaign to Reform the World Bank, Corporate Europe Observatory, Friends of the Earth Europe, World Development Movement
Press release
6 July 2003 — For immediate releaseEU Trade Ministerial Rejects NGO Call to Halt WTO Expansion
(Palermo) Today, European trade ministers convened in Palermo to discuss their priorities for the upcoming WTO Ministerial in Cancun. They concluded with a commitment to their plans to expand the WTO agenda.
They faced strong NGO resistance. Upon arrival they were greeted by European and Italian civil society groups with a corporate giant and the message 'Our world is not for sale' and 'Don't let big business rule the world'.
A delegation of European civil society groups handed over to the Italian Presidency and the EU Trade Commissioner Lamy a « European Civil Society Call: Stop the EU's Agenda for WTO Expansion', signed by more than 100 NGOs from across Europe.
The called on the EU to withdraw proposals to expand the WTO agenda, including the controversial investment negotiations. NGOs urged the Italian presidency to review the mandate given to EU Trade Commissioner Lamy.
In reaction to the EU Trade Ministers meeting conclusion NGOs were deeply disappointed.
Commenting on the reaction of Italian trade minister Urso, Antonio Tricarico from the Italian WTO campaign.
« We are disappointed because the Italian presidency made no commitment in discussing the review of Commissioner Lamy's mandate. By doing this, the European Union find itself more and more isolated at the Cancun Ministerial.»
Alexandra Wandel of FoEE said:
Lamy and EU Trade Ministers have rejected a strong, united call from European civil society groups representing millions of European citizens. The EU's plans to expand the WTO have been deeply criticised by key environment, development and social justice organisations in Europe. We are asking in whose interest is this agenda? This is an agenda for big business and the developing world and the environment will have everything to lose. This WTO agreement must not be allowed to go through.
Clare Joy from WDM
Commissioner Lamy talks about a development agenda. Today, he claimed that developing countries support his plans to expand the WTO. This is a fabricated claim in the Sicillian heat. In the last month, the majority of developing countries in the WTO have released statements opposing the launch of new negotiations in Cancun. We called on the EU to listen to these countries, instead they chose to insult them by claiming the 'EU knows what is best for them'. The EU should acknowledge its plans for what they are. This is not a development agenda, but a corporate development agenda.
Pictures from the corporate giant and the NGO activities are available at
http://www.investmentwatch.orgContact in Palermo:
Antonio Tricarico, CRBM, tel. +39.328.84 85 448
Alexandra Wandel, FoEE, tel: +49 172 748 39 53 (m)
Clare Joy, WDM, +44 7970 795590 (m)
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