NEXT WTO MEETING Jan 24 2001
Mike Moore, director-general of the World Trade Organisation (see picture) is currently looking for a place to stage the next WTO meeting later this year. The only problem is: After the last meeting in Seattle in November 1999 had led to mass protests and had ended in a complete disaster for the organisation, there aren't many volunteers. Chile has just announced it is no longer interested in hosting the meeting, which leaves the Persian Gulf state of Quatar the only contestant. The fact that Quatar is not exactly known as a fierce supporter of human rights may come in handy, as Mr Moore is likely to fear more large-scale protests. According to Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, staging the meeting there would "send the signal that it's okay to build the global economy on a foundation of repression." A decision is expected within the next few weeks.
[ Photo ]
Mike Moore, director-general of the World Trade Organisation (see picture) is currently looking for a place to stage the next WTO meeting later this year. The only problem is: After the last meeting in Seattle in November 1999 had led to mass protests and had ended in a complete disaster for the organisation, there aren't many volunteers. Chile has just announced it is no longer interested in hosting the meeting, which leaves the Persian Gulf state of Quatar the only contestant. The fact that Quatar is not exactly known as a fierce supporter of human rights may come in handy, as Mr Moore is likely to fear more large-scale protests. According to Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, staging the meeting there would "send the signal that it's okay to build the global economy on a foundation of repression." A decision is expected within the next few weeks.
[ Photo ]
