British, French And Italian Ministers Ask State Minister Tuzmen To Act As Mediator Between Developing And Developed Countries In Wto Conference

CANCUN/ANKARA - The difference of opinion between U.S., Europe and the developing countries about ''lifting agricultural subsidies'' was not overcome during the World Trade Organization (WTO) ministers conference and that the contacts came to a deadlock.
British, French and Italian ministers asked State Minister Kursad Tuzmen to act as mediator.
Developing countries demand subsidies to be lifted, while the U.S. and European countries don't want that.
The number of countries which oppose the views of the U.S. and Europe increased to 23. Turkey's attitude on the issue is similar to that of 23 countries. Turkey also wishes agricultural subsidies to be lifted, but it didn't sign the declaration issued by the 23 countries.
State Minister Tuzmen said during the conference the other day that the way to balanced and fair trade had to be opened and all agricultural subsidies which disturbed trade had to be lifted.
(Öª) 13.09.2003