US, EU Coming Closer on DDA

Washington and Brussels over the last few weeks - including over the weekend - came closer to a common position on agricultural market access and domestic supports that is needed to finally break the deadlock in the long-stalled Doha Development Agenda negotiations (WTD, 1/9/07).

Addressing the press yesterday with her European Union counterpart - Peter Mandelson - US Trade Representative Susan Schwab noted a growing convergence of views. The EC trade commissioner said agreement between Washington and Brussels is a prerequisite for resuming the negotiations, but could not be imposed on the other 140-plus members.

The two trade ambassadors met after their bosses - President Bush and EC President Jos