Date:04/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/04/stories/2006070417771000.htm

National

WTO: BJP backs Centre's position

Special Correspondent

But criticises walkout by Kamal Nath

Criticises rich blocs for continuing with heavy agricultural subsidies

Government stand represents continuity of policy

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party backed the Government's stand on agriculture-related issues at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations but criticised "impulsive reactions" such as the recent walkout by Commerce Minister Kamal Nath.

At a press conference here on Monday, party general secretary and spokesperson Arun Jaitley described the walkout as inappropriate for a "responsible" nation such as India.

The former Commerce Minister said the two "rich" blocs — the United States and the European Union — were yet to reconcile themselves to the change in the balance of power in the WTO after the formation of the G-20. The U.S. and the E.U. could no longer decide the agenda or control the talks.

As long as the two groups continued to give heavy subsidies to their farmers, they had no moral right to talk about opening up the world market to free trade in agricultural produce.

The Government stand represented continuity of policy, he said. However, "impulsive reactions by Indian negotiators need to be avoided."

Mr. Jaitley criticised the July 2004 Framework Agreement at Geneva as "disastrous" for the country, although Indian negotiators hailed it as a "victory."