WTO Ministerial in Qatar:
EU position threatens development, environmental sustainability and democracy
Press conference: Wednesday 7 November, 11 am
International Press Center, Résidence Palace,
155 Rue de la Loi, B-1040 Brussels
Speakers:
Raoul Jennar, Oxfam Solidarity: The EU position against the South
Gérard Choplin, CPE (member Via Campesina): Food Sovereignty: What is at stake?
Alexandra Wandel, Friends of the Earth Europe: Environmental Sustainability, Civil Society demands and actions around the Ministerial Two days before the 4th World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference in Qatar will start, FoEE, Oxfam Solidarity and CPE (member Via Campesina) will brief journalists about the current state of affairs in the WTO, the crisis of legitimacy at the WTO and the role the EU plays in the launch of a new trade round.
Campaigners will call on governments to refrain from launching another round of trade negotiations and instead conduct a complete socio-economic and environmental assessment of the Uruguay round agreements. At the same time, an update of some of the key NGO demands and activities around the WTO Ministerial will be given.
Campaigner will report about the developing countries and LDC position expressed in Geneva as a result of the release of the draft WTO ministerial declaration on 31 October.
Friends of the Earth Europe, Oxfam Solidarity and Via Campesina are part of a global movement called ‘Our world is not for sale’ that has issued the WTO Shrink or Sink declaration. In this declaration NGOs calls on governments to follow 11 clear steps to limit the negative impacts of the WTO (see http://www.focusweb.org/our-world-is-not-for-sale/statements/Shrink-or-sink.html)
Shortly after the press conference, campaigners will leave for Doha to urge governments to change course and develop a democratic, sustainable and equitable trading system.
Contact:
Alexandra Wandel, tel: 02-542 01 85
Gérard Choplin, tel: 02- 217 3112
Raoul Jennar, tel: 0478 913 812
Note for Editors: Alexandra Wandel and Raoul Jennar will be present in Qatar from 8-14 November and will be available for interviews and up to date information in Doha. Contact in Doha: Alexandra Wandel: +49-172-748 39 53, Raoul Jennar: +32-2- 478 913 812, +974-4363363. Via Campesina will be represented by José Bové.
