Agência Brasil*
New York – The Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said yesterday (25) that, for the first time ever, the Doha round is close to reaching a conclusion. He also claimed to be convinced that the agreement shall be closed still this year. "There has already been a change in the behaviour of Bush (George W. Bush, president of the United States), and I sense that Europe is showing greater flexibility now," said the Brazilian president.
The statements were made to the press in front of the official residence of the head of the Brazilian mission at the United Nations (UN), Maria Luíza Viotti, in New York, where Lula attended the 62nd UN General Assembly. Obstacles to the advancement of the negotiation round include the reduction of agricultural subsidies granted by the United States, and the reduction of import tariffs on the industrial sector by developing countries.
Also yesterday, Lula had a meeting with Bush that lasted more than an hour, and the Doha round was among the subjects discussed. "The United States are willing to be more flexible, and that is very important," he stated. To the president of Brazil, the negotiations must come to an end before the presidential elections in the United States, which should be held next year. "The world cannot await the elections in the United States," said Lula.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
