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WTO: 2008 NEWS ITEMS

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NOTE:
This summary has been prepared by the WTO Secretariat’s Information and Media Relations Division to help public understanding about developments in WTO disputes. It is not a legal interpretation of the issues, and it is not intended as a complete account of the issues. These can be found in the reports themselves and in the minutes of the Dispute Settlement Body’s meetings.

DS27: European Communities — Regime for the importation, sale and distribution of bananas: recourse to article 21.5 of the Dispute Settlement Understanding by the US

At the joint request of the US and the EC (WT/DS27/88), the DSB agreed to extend the time limit for the adoption of the compliance panel report until 29 August 2008.

The US said that the additional time would provide an opportunity for ongoing discussions to continue. The US noted that the DSB adopted a similar deadline in the banana case between the EC and Ecuador (WT/DS27/87).

The EC stated that the new deadline would provide a large margin to conclude the negotiations which would be the only way towards a solution. The EC added that the DSB took the same decision in the banana case with Ecuador.

Implementation  back to top

DS291, DS292, DS293: European Communities — Measures affecting the approval and marketing of biotech products

The EC provided a status report on the implementation of the DSB recommendations (WT/DS291/37/Add.5, DS292/31/Add.5, DS293/31/Add.5) and noted that good faith cooperation between the complainants and the EC has continued. The EC mentioned that since the last DSB meeting (20 May 2008), Austria had lifted its ban on imports and processing of GM maize. The EC believed that given the inevitably sensitive nature of biotech issues, dialogue was the appropriate way forward and concluded it remained open to continue discussions with the three complainants.

In its statement, the US said that the recent rise in world food prices reinforces the importance of the EC implementing its WTO commitments to adopt timely, science-based decisions on agricultural products developed using modern biotechnology.

Canada informed the DSB that due to progress made in this dispute, it agreed to extend the reasonable period of time (RPT) until the end of July. Similarly, Argentina said that the RTP was extended until 12 August 2008.

Next meeting  back to top

The next meeting of the DSB will be held on 22 July 2008.

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