Overzealous Lamy also to blame for WTO talks collapse

GENEVA: The usual blame game continues over the collapse of the WTO mini-ministerial. The US is blaming India and China, particularly India, for adopting a rigid stance on special safeguard mechanisms (SSM) and the developing countries accusing the US for refusing to budge from its stance on agricultural subsidies, SSM, special products and Nama, among others. Interestingly, now another culprit has been added to the list — WTO director-general Pascal Lamy. Observers say a big share of the blame for the failure should also be borne by Lamy, for he convened the mini-ministerial when even he was doubtful about its success. Lamy felt the chances of success were 50%. Many other negotiators felt the chances were much less and that it was premature to bring it to the ministers. A few months prior to the ministerial, progress was... [read full story]