DATE=9/14/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=W-T-O / COLLAPSE (S)

NUMBER=2-307496

BYLINE=GREG FLAKUS

DATELINE=CANCUN, MEXICO

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The fifth ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization, or W-T-O, has ended with a collapse in talks. While this is a deep setback for the organization, participants from both rich and poor nations said this does not signify its demise and that

there will be future talks. VOA's Greg Flakus has more on the story from Cancun, Mexico.

TEXT: The effort to create a multilateral world trade agreement by the end of 2004 hit a brick wall Sunday here in Cancun. The breakdown came when leaders of several developing nations rejected a draft declaration that included only vague references to

cutting agricultural subsidies in rich nations. The developing nations also objected to inclusion of such themes as investment and trade facilitation.

While some critics of the world trade body are celebrating the breakdown in talks, W-T-O Secretary General Supachai Panitchpakti says the effort to reach an agreement will go on.

/// Supachai act ///

We could have perhaps achieved more here in Cancun, but I am not at all down-hearted. We have to accept the reality that our work program is a very complex undertaking.

/// end act ///

He says talks aimed at getting the process back on track will take place in Geneva sometime before the end of this year. Meanwhile, U-S Trade Representative Robert Zoellick says Washington remains committed to the W-T-O. He says the United States will continue to seek free trade agreements with other countries both directly and through the W-T-O. (signed).

NEB/MEM