Standing within the WTO walls, approximately 40 prominent non-governmental organizations rose during the opening day of the forum and voiced their opposition to its economic and social policies.

Standing within the WTO walls, approximately 40 individuals from prominent non-governmental organizations rose during the opening day of the forum and voiced their opposition to its economic and social policies. Holding signs proclaiming the obsolescence of the WTO, the group chanted about its anti-democratic practices that perpetuate a spiral of poverty and injustice.

Walden Bello, co-director of Focus On The Global South, said the group disrupted meetings for approximately 40 minutes, claiming, "I think our message was conveyed through the media to the world at large."

With agriculture remaining high on the agenda this week, Bello believes the South will draw the line and maintain a strong level of solidarity.

In anticipation of trade talks, Bello was informed that Robert Zoellick lost his cool the other day, and claimed that "some Brazilians were acting like Indians." There was a bit of confusion concerning Zoellick's language, specifically because this statement could be interpreted in more than one context. Regardless, his words reflect the current tension that exists between the North and South at this Ministerial and the underlying racism of a global economic paradigm that continues to reflect white supremacy.

Bello stated, "The WTO is like a bicycle - if it doesn't move, it falls down. Seattle was the first step to removing the bicycle of globalization." After Doha, the coalition of the South began to loosen a bit, with the Superpowers pushing forward with force. However, Bello said the Developing countries are once again working in tandem, eager to dismantle the structure of the bike itself.

Calls are being made and pressure exerted from above as trade representatives from the South are being wooed with promises of aid and tempted by the loans that await them if they sign on to WTO agreements. Thus far, they appear to be holding their ground.