Clashes At World Trade Meeting

[DeathvadeR]

Violent protests and a suicide at the police barricades sent a tragic message to the delegates of the World Trade Organization, who convened in Mexico's resort town of Cancún.

Reminiscent of the 1999 conflicts at the WTO meetings in Seattle, the siren call for inclusion by developing countries and farm groups was intended to send the message that trade policy affects the lives of the poor.

And for the first time since the WTO was founded, the agenda -- as well as statements by the President of Mexico, Vicente Fox -- were written to address the issue. "Poverty leads to exclusion and kills hopes for the future," Fox said in his inaugural address.

<http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/09/12/opinion/main573103.shtml>

[DeathvadeR]

1. Poorest nations form new bloc at WTO talks

CANCUN, Mexico, (Reuters) - A group of 90 African, Asian and other poor nations formed a bloc on Friday to demand wide concessions on farm reform, adding pressure on rich nations at global trade talks.

Their alliance came days after a more powerful group of 21 developing nations, including India and Brazil, went on the offensive against the European Union and the United States at World Trade Organization talks in this Mexican resort town.

"Today I am speaking to you on behalf of a majority of the membership of the WTO. Theoretically, the weight of our proposals should be determinant in these negotiations," said Mauritius Trade Minister Jaya Cuttaree.


<http://www.forbes.com/home_asia/newswire/2003/09/12/rtr1080882.html>

[Dancing_Dave]

2. Let's just hope the whole d_m thing breaks down!

Democratic countries would be much more likely to develop healthy progressive policies without pressure from this oppressive institution. :think:

[aneerkoinos]

4. ???

Agricultural subsidises in north kill people in south, so I find your opinion bit cynical and uninformed.

"Healthy progressive politics" do not actually depend on whether counry is democratic or not, but I agree REAL democracies where people decide instead of elite would be more likely to build better policies.

What makes WTO oppressive institution? It does not follow that because WTO policies have been oppressive the institution itself is oppressive, when in fact it is very democratic compared to IMF and Worldbank.

I hope the poor nations block stays firm and succeeds getting rid of the worst subsidies in north and puts GATS in ice. That would be cool.

[MrPrax]

3. Like UNCTAD

hopefully the WTO will become the Group of 77, the UNCTAD Luanda round, and the basis of a NEW non-alligned movement!!

Poor people have an instinctive hatred of rich folks...

[0007]

6. "Poor people have an instinctive hatred of rich folks..."

I find this statement ill-judged. "instinctive"?

Please explain.

[readmylips]

8. There are differences between rich and 'old' elite US money...

The rich of these country are generous people. Ted Turner gave 4M dollars to pay the USA dues to the UN. What a great patriot.

The old elite US money families; Rockerfellers, Vanderbilts, Bushes, etc. are the ones with the political power. Not just in the USA but throughout the world. These elites are in cohoot with other world elites; kings, queens, dictators, etc. Their plan is to rule the world by using the American flag, and our military might as their shield.

[Whoa_Nelly]

9. Instinctive?

Learned response would be more appropriate. And, to make global statements such as, "Poor people have an instinctive hatred of the rich.", is reprehensible word folly at its best.

on edit: typos

[cthrumatrix]

5. the poor countries are fighting back...they know they are being used

and are tired of it....exploitation.

[Brucey]

7. Average people misunderstand globalization

and therefore don't get these protests. They think glob means more international cooperation, and don't realize it's near fascism because it allows private corporate control of everything.