Focus on the Global South • December 2005
Focus: On the Road to Hong Kong
Number 9, 17 December 2005
Today saw extraordinary scenes on the streets of Hong Kong following Lamy's attempt to orchestrate the Ministerial talks into a compromise text. The draft package remains a disaster for development and should be rejected by the developing world. All of the objectionable elements of the text remain - including export subsidies and trade-distorting domestic supports, Annex C on services and an aggressive approach to industrial liberalisation. The development package remains empty and is an insult to developing countries. The text is being discussed in the Green Room tonight, with rumours flying in all directions regarding which way the final day of the Ministerial will go. Certainly Venezuela appears to be holding strong in its objection to Annex C, but there appears to be some softening from other allies. Another colourful action took place in the Convention Centre reminding delegates that they have two pathways to choose from - either to sell out services or reject privatlisation.
NO DEAL IS BETTER THAN A BAD DEAL!
DRAFT WTO TEXT A SLAP IN THE FACE FOR THE DEVELOPING WORLD
The draft Ministerial text is a slap in the face for developing countries, reinforcing once again the fact that the WTO is profoundly anti-development and an institution well beyond repair.
Read more (http://www.focusweb.org/content/view/775/55/)
SOCIAL MOVEMENTS STORM HONG KONG STREETS IN PROTEST OVER NEGOTIATIONS
In the most intense confrontation yet between demonstrators and the police since the start of the ministerial, around 5,000 protesters from across the world came within just 200 meters off the Hong Kong Convention Center where the World Trade Organization negotiations are being held.
Read more/see pictures (http://www.focusweb.org/content/view/776/55/)
HIGHLY FLAWED PROCESS IN SERVICES TALKS CONTINUES IN HONG KONG
Civil society groups sent an urgent letter to Pascal Lamy this morning calling the process undemocratic and biased.
Read more (http://www.focusweb.org/content/view/777/55/)
A COMMA, THE PUNCTUATION AND THE RE-HASHED 'ANNEX C' - WHY IT IS STILL A PROBLEM (By Benny Kuruvilla)
The services section of the Ministerial Declaration released at 2pm Hong Kong time maintains virtually all the controversial aspects of the earlier discredited Annex C. There are a few minor changes that ignore fundamental concerns raised by several countries over the last 2 days in Hong Kong and before in Geneva.
Read More http://www.focusweb.org/content/view/778/55/
CHINA, THE WTO, AND THE ANTI-GLOBALIZATION MOVEMENT
Hosting the WTO in Hong Kong may be a boost for both the local and global justice movement.
Read more http://www.focusweb.org/content/view/779/36/
LINKS
Civil Society TV on WTO in Hong Kong: http://www.wto-cs.tv/
Real World Radio: www.realworldradio.fm
Brett Solomon
Media Officer
Focus on the Global South
www.focusweb.org
HK Mb: +852 64972675
Office: + 66 2 218 7363, 64 & 65
Email: brett
focusweb.org
hong kong reports | hong kong 2005 | www.agp.org (archives) | www.all4all.org