The Hindu : National : “Failure of Geneva talks a serious setback”

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“Failure of Geneva talks a serious setback”

Sandeep Joshi

NEW DELHI: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath on Thursday described the failed global trade talks at Geneva as a “serious setback to the developing nations” and blamed the U.S. for undermining the issue of livelihood security. He, however, said India was ready to go back to the discussion table, but without compromising farmers’ interests.

Addressing a press conference here after returning from Geneva after long negotiations, Mr. Nath said India and other developing nations were willing to show flexibility, but the developed nations failed to acknowledge the sensitivities of developing countries.

Stating that the primary objective of the mini-ministerial talks of World Trade Organisation, aimed at completing the stalled Doha Development Round negotiations, was to put the development dimension of international trade on centre stage, Mr. Nath said: “The talks broke down after the U.S. refused to agree to proposals from India and China that they should be allowed to impose extra 25 per cent duties, if imports are up 15 per cent on farm products. But the U.S. wanted that the trigger for extra duty should be given only after imports surge by 40 per cent over the average of the preceding three years.”

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