Negotiations To Resume

While World Trade Organization cases move slowly onward, European Union and United States trade officials said Friday that they will restart negotiations. The ongoing dispute over government subsidies to Airbus and Boeing is keeping everyone guessing.

US Trade Representative Rob Portman and EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson met Friday and then spoke briefly with reporters.

Mandelson commented that the EU-US relationship is a "billion dollar-a-day relationship." He stressed that "when we work together on global and international issues, and strengthen our bilateral economic ties. That's not just good for us, it's good for the rest of the world."

When asked about the dispute, Portman commented, "we did have a discussion about the issue, of course, and we continue to have positions that are publicly known. We both would like to see a negotiated settlement. The talks will continue."

"The channels of communication between us are open," said Mandelson. When asked about earlier impressions that the EU would be unwilling to talk, he said, "Are you suggesting that Rob and I would stop talking to each other about anything? You've got to be joking."

When asked how hopeful he was, Mandelson stated, "I am a politician and therefore I'm an optimist."

FMI: www.ustr.gov