Mchumo Statement on Expiring WTO Deadlines
 

Council Division
17 December 1999

Statement by the Chairman of the General Council
at the Meeting on 17 December 1999


As I have proposed, this meeting of the General Council will be adjourned and resumed as early as possible next to [sic] year to take up Item 3 of the Agenda. It is my understanding that the question raised by a number of delegations concerning the provisions which lapse and deadlines which expire on 31 December of this year will be a part of the consultations to be continued. The General Council will therefore revert to these matters when it resumes early next year.

It is understood that all Members will exercise restraint on the matters under consultation so as not to prejudice further fruitful discussion and decisions on these matters, or the position of other Members.

Members have made it clear that informal consultations are necessary on a wide variety of issues, including the issue of deadlines. Many Members urged understanding by all Members in those consultations, and they urged due restraint on the part of Members. This approach would be without prejudice to the position on rights and obligations of Members.