Trade ministers from over 140 countries were struggling on Monday to break the political logjam over the launch of the new round of talks with the rich and poor nations failing to bridge the gap on various issues even as the US said that it would be safe to be cautiously optimistic at this stage. “We are half-way through. We see pieces falling in places even though there is a long way to go,” a US spokesman told reporters. He, however, said that new issues like investment and competition, which India and several other developing countries were opposing, continued to be difficult. The ministers have narrowed a few of their differences, despite two days of intensive talks expected to pave the way for compromises with most of the countries sticking to their stated positions. Commerce minister Murasoli Maran said that though the talks have reached a crucial stage, the house is divided between the rich and the poor. “There are a lot of gaps,” he added. “As the conference approaches the deadline, Persuasions will be more,” Maran, who met US trade representative Robert Zoellick, said. The US spokesman said, “The bilateral meeting was cordial and there was a clear understanding of our positions and no threats were held out.”
As behind the scene activities intensified, all eyes are towards India. European Union also claimed that there was progress but Maran said that there are a lot of gaps.
Bureau Report