MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

WTO addresses agriculture.

Exactly one month after the failure of the World Trade Organization meeting in Cancun, Mexico, negotiations resumed in Geneva having agriculture as the leading issue.

Speaking to delegates from the 146 WTO country members, Uruguayan Ambassador Carlos Pérez del Castillo who presides the WTO General Council said that "in this new negotiations phase that we are addressing today (Tuesday), we shall start with agriculture".

Agriculture was never really part of the last day negotiations in Cancun which were stalled by the last minute presentation by Japan and the European Union of the so called Singapore issues that include investments, government purchasing and competition and customs procedures.

In Cancún ministers did agree that WTO by mid December had to find an understanding to relaunch the Doha Round negotiations program that is expected to be concluded by the end of 2004.

Mr. Pérez del Castillo added that besides agriculture three other crucial points, cotton, market access for non agriculture products and the Singapore issues will also be included in the discussions.

Working procedure has been streamlined eliminating plenary meetings for specific issues and negotiations to be held in mid December will be organized in smaller groups in an effort to reach understandings.