W.T.O. Ag Talks On The Brink Of Collapse

The Doha round of agricultural talks at the W.T.O. has not collapsed, but it's at the brink.

Agriculture Minister Chuck Strahl says this weekend's session yielded little progress, and huge gaps remain between members on important issues.

He adds there appears to be an unwillingness, especially by the U.S. and E.U., to attempt any sort of serious negotiations.

Strahl notes W.T.O. Director General Pascal Lamy has suggested, to keep the talks from complete failure, a series of shuttle negotiations take place over the next month.

Strahl stresses the Doha negotiations are not finished, but members must redouble their efforts to resolve differences on key issues.