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WTO members seek way out of Doha Round impasse

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-07-31 14:04

Lamy said although the talks failed, there were still achievements made, which can be built on for future success.

"Perhaps the dust will need to settle a bit before we can have a clear idea of those steps, but in my view, the progress we have made ... should be preserved," he said.

At the same meeting, European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson urged WTO members to resume talks in autumn.

"So, in the autumn, after a summer of reflection, we must renew our dialogue, nurture our relationships, talk like adults about where we go from here," Mandelson said.

"My team and I look forward to returning to Geneva, not to take up where we left off, but to make sure what we have achieved is not entirely lost," he said.

Related readings:  World trade may expand even as WTO talks sputter  WTO talks collapse, rich world 'to blame'  Marathon WTO talks collapse in US-India farm row  WTO trade talks enters ninth day in tense atmosphere

But Rockwell downplayed the possibility that a new try could be made as early as this autumn.

"I am not sure that is the view every member expressed," he said. "I think there are some political constraints. I think there are some time constraints. People want to examine how to deal with this very complex issue."

Separately, both India and the United States said on Wednesday they would remain on course of negotiations.

"I would only urge the director-general to treat this as a pause, not a breakdown, to keep on the table what is there," Indian Commerce Minister Kamal Nath told a press conference.

Describing the collapse as "distressing", US Trade Representative Susan Schwab called for "path forward."

"Clearly, we need path forward," she said. "... in the meantime, the United States stands by our offers."

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