Morales Warned that Poor Countries Will Lose Out at WTO
23 July, 2008

Havana, Cuba.-  President Evo Morales said that the world’s poorest countries will be the main losers of an eventual agreement during the Doha Round of negations.

Granma newspaper says that in a communiqué circulated on Monday at WTO headquarters in Geneva, Morales cites a World Bank report, as saying that “the accumulated costs of job losses…and loss of customs revenues will be greater than the ‘benefits’” offered by the opening of markets envisioned in the Doha Round of negotiations.”

 “After seven years of negotiating, [the Doha Round] is anchored in the past and out of touch with the most important events occurring today: the food crisis, the energy crisis, global climate change and cultural diversity,” stated Morales, according to international media outlets. (acn)